Manchester City have enquired about the availability of Hoffenheim’s Germany international defender David Raum, according to reports.

According to 90min, Manchester City’s interest in Raum was brought up during negotiations for a different player.

Hoffenheim are among those keeping tabs on Man City’s Japan international defender Ko Itakura. The centre-back spent the past campaign on loan in Germany with Schalke and played a big part in their promotion back to the Bundesliga – but they could not afford to take up their option to buy him outright.

As a result, a host of clubs are chasing Itakura’s signature and Hoffenheim are among them. During talks over Itakura,  City asked about the availability of Raum, who looks set to leave the club this summer.

City may face competition for Raum, though, with German giants Borussia Dortmund thought to be leading the chase.

Who is David Rum?

Most Manchester City fans will have had their first look at Raum last week when England took on Germany.

The left full-back is currently on Nations League duty with Die Mannschaft, where he recently impressed in the 1-1 draw with England in Munich.

For Hoffenheim, meanwhile, Raum was signed on a free transfer and has since enjoyed a superb debut year, netting three and providing a staggering 13 assists from left-back and left-wing-back last term.

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Arsenal boost?

Manchester City’s interest in Raum could be of benefit to Arsenal. This comes with the Gunners showing an interest in Sky Blues defender, Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Ukraine international struggled for a regular starting berth at City last term, with Raum’s potential arrival likely meaning an Etihad exit for the 25-year-old.

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