West Ham United are believed to be plotting a move for Hoffenheim defender David Raum, according to reports in Germany.

What's the word?

As per BILD, the Hammers have been named as one of the clubs who 'have their eye' on the 24-year-old, albeit with fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United also reportedly in the running for his signature.

The report suggests that the two clubs are willing to meet the left-back's €40m (£34.3m) asking price - with a €30m (£25.8m) release clause not set to come into effect until 2023 - with that fee set to put rival suitors Borussia Dortmund out of the picture.

There has also been recent speculation to suggest that Manchester United are also keeping an eye on the Germany international, following what has been a breakthrough year in the Bundesliga.

Moyes' own Robertson

That figure mentioned above may appear fairly sizeable for a player who has only played top-level football for one season in his career thus far - that coming in the 2021/22 campaign - although his form has seemingly warranted the attention.

In 32 league games last season, the 5 foot 11 menace chipped in with three goals and a hugely impressive 11 assists, while also averaging 2.7 key passes per game and providing 19 big chances - with only Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller having created more big chances in the German top-flight (22).

Dubbed an "assist machine" by WhoScored's Ben McAleer, the former Greuther Furth man - who joined his current side on a free transfer last summer - is a clear weapon from his full-back berth, as he also led the way in the Bundesliga last term for crosses from open play, with 188.

Equally, the £18m-rated ace also ranks in the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, as well as in the top 1% for expected assists, further rubberstamping his quality in possession.

Not solely an attacking asset, however, Raum also puts a shift in defensively, having averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.1 clearances and 0.8 interceptions in the league last term, while he also ranked highest in the top-flight for sprints (1058), showcasing his illness to put in the hard yards down the left flank.

Such form has unsurprisingly seen him force his way into Hansi Flick's plans at international level, while the nine-cap gem can also seemingly be compared to Liverpool's Andy Robertson, with the pair sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

That comparison will no doubt pique the interest of those at the London Stadium, with the Scotsman having been in truly remarkable form in recent years at Anfield, having recorded a simply staggering haul of 2017.

The relentless, aggressive defender has become renowned for his unrelenting approach to both attack and defence and has been dubbed the "best in the world" in his position by pundit Kevin Phillips, with Raum seemingly possessing that similar all-round trait to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

Equally, much like the German, the 28-year-old has also had to fight his way from lower league Scottish football to becoming a Premier League and Champions League winner, proving that the Hoffenheim man's shortage of top-level experience may not be a concern.

It may prove to be an expensive addition, although Moyes and co would no doubt reap the rewards of adding Raum to their ranks in the coming weeks.

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