Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Hoffenheim defender David Raum this summer, reports German outlet Bild (via Sport Witness).

The Lowdown: Raum’s emergence

After helping Greuther Fürth to Bundesliga promotion in 2020/21, the left-back signed for top-flight side Hoffenheim, with a contract extension now keeping him at the club until 2026.

The 24-year-old has since gone on to impress in the German top flight, having now made nine appearances for Die Nationalmannschaft. Raum played 32 times in the Bundesliga last season, amassing a stunning 13 assists during the campaign.

The Latest: Interest in Raum

According to a report by Bild (via Sport Witness), West Ham and Newcastle could end up competing with Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Raum this summer.

Hoffenheim don’t need to sell the defender with his current deal running until 2026, and his €30m (£25.8m) release clause only activates next year, so his price is said to be ‘freely negotiable’.

Bild reported that, alongside Dortmund, the Premier League duo of West Ham and Newcastle ‘have their eye’ on the player, who are both said to be able to ‘easily handle’ the £34.3m asking price.

The Verdict: Great signing

Raum’s performances last season have led many to lavish praise on the full-back, with Adam Khan of Breaking the Lines describing him as an ‘exceptional attacking threat’ for his ability to spray crosses into the box. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen dubbed him "a highly talented and extremely fast player with a strong left foot".

Khan's appraisal is demonstrated by the German's ranking in the 99th percentile for assists, expected assists and shot-creating actions, when the 24-year-old is compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year (via FBRef).

Furthermore, Raum has also been utilised in central midfield, leading to comparisons being made with Real Madrid star David Alaba.

With such high praise and a favourable player comparison, this would surely be a great signing for Newcastle to add to Eddie Howe’s squad.

In other news: Miles Starforth drops Freddie Woodman transfer latest