Ashworth now plotting NUFC deal for "marauding" £34m threat, Howe would adore him – opinion

An update has emerged on the next Newcastle United deal that Dan Ashworth is plotting for the summer transfer window… 

According to Bild, the Magpies are one of the Premier League teams competing to land the full-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Toon are set to challenge a number of clubs in attempting to land the €40m (£34m) Hoffenheim star in the coming weeks.

German podcaster Kevin Bader relayed the news, Tweeting: “Dortmund are getting plenty of competition when it comes to signing Hoffenheim left-back David Raum. The national team defender is said to cost around 40 million€. In addition to BVB, Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle, among others, are interested.”

The Magpies’ head coach would love to have Raum at St. James’ Park next season as he would be an exceptional addition to the team.

Whilst Matt Targett has already been brought in to play at left-back, Ashworth can bring in an alternative option for the club to call upon.

In the Premier League last term, Targett managed one goal and one assist – creating five ‘big chances’ – in 33 games for Villa and the Toon combined.

The Bundesliga’s official Twitter admin dubbed him a “marauding” full-back and his statistics in the Bundesliga certainly back that up as he caught the eye in the final third throughout the campaign.

In 2021/22, the 24-year-old produced three goals and 11 assists in 32 games for Hoffenheim. He provided 2.7 key passes per game and a whopping 19 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in the German top-flight, as he showcased his immense playmaking capabilities.

Along with his ability going forward, Raum also made 2.4 tackles and interceptions and won 4.5 duels per game as he proved that he can excel at both ends of the pitch. He added a huge