Moyes plots move for £34.3m “assist machine”, he can be West Ham’s own Andy Robertson - opinion

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

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.

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,