Senior figures at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim have commented on the future of Manchester United target David Raum.
Sky Germany have reported that United have had talks with the club over the signing of the German international left-back.
As per 90Min, Hoffenheim manager Andre Breitenreiter and sporting director Alexander Rosen have confirmed there has been contact over Raum.
The report says that United face competition from Manchester City for Raum, although their priority is Brighton’s Marc Cucurella at present.
Hoffenheim confirm Raum talks amid United interest
Breitenreiter said: “It’s not a problem for me. We have already had contact. He should rest now for the time being. But it’s no secret that I prefer to have him with me.
“I am the coach and want to have the best players in my team, but there are also always club interests. For me, that’s not a problem.”
Sporting director Rosen added: “I would prefer to keep him. At the end of the day, it depends on what the market looks like and what chance the player has.
“If a top club comes and he gets the opportunity, then, of course, we will sit down with him. In the end, it’s always about an exchange based on trust.”
United need a midfielder first, and the chase for Frenkie de Jong has been ongoing for weeks now, with no obvious end in sight.
While that is at an impasse, it would be a good idea to get other deals ready to go, even if the eventual fee for de Jong dictates the rest of the available budget.
United should be able to do a deal for Raum if they really want him, despite these latest comments and it remains to be seen how the saga plays out, or whether the club can get other deals progressed while we wait on de Jong.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
