One of Europe's most attacking wing-backs around will be available at a bargain price next summer and he could be the answer to Manchester United's plea under Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim shouts at his players.
Manchester United have perfect answer to Ruben Amorim plea after four-man shortlist highlighted.
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Ruben Amorim's system at Manchester United places so much emphasis on the two wing-backs the position is slowly becoming a priority ahead of the January transfer window.
Right now, after over a year of Amorim's philosophy at Old Trafford, United are short of genuine attack-minded wing-backs, who are capable of supporting at both ends of the pitch. Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot have been used as the main left-backs this season, with Amad the preferred candidate on the right.
The 3-4-3 system which, if whispers are to be believed, could be tweaked in the near future, allows Luke Shaw to form the back-three, with his injury past making him an unconvincing left wing-back option. But with no standout performer on the left, United may have to act in the market.
Reports via TEAMtalk have claimed Amorim has 'demanded' a new left wing-back, with four players on his short-list. Unsurprisingly, Sporting CP's Maxi Araujo is one of them after previously working with the United manager. Benfica's Samuel Dahl, Lorient's Arsene Kouassi and Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys are all also said to be on Amorim's radar.
Dahl, 22, has impressed with his attacking displays for Benfica since his switch from Roma. Kouassi is currently playing just his first season of top-flight football, and will be one of the brightest sparks of the Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso. Seys has scored three goals and assisted a further two in the Champions League this season.
However, developments away from players previously linked with a switch to Manchester could hand United a perfect answer to Amorim's January demand. Red Bull Leipzig's David Raum has really made a name for himself in Germany with his offensive play, particularly for a team that traditionally plays with wing-backs.
David Raum watches on.
David Raum's release clause at RB Leipzig is set to decrease in the summer.
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The Germany international ranks in the 87th percentile for assists when compared to players in similar positions within the top-five leagues, as per FBREF. He's also placed in the top 99th percentile for expected assisted goals, top 98th percentile for shot-creating actions, top 93rd in passes attempted and top 83rd percentile for blocks.
Now, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Philipp Hinze, Raum's future at the Red Bull Arena isn't as secure as the club would like. It's said that his release clause will drop below €40million (£35.1m) at the end of this season, when his contract enters its final year.
No talks are understood to have been held over an extension, although Raum is "very happy" with the Bundesliga outfit. With Leipzig Bayern Munich's biggest challenger at the top of the table, Champions League football is a real possibility for Ole Werner's men.
As is the case with every high-performing German in the Bundesliga, Bayern are believed to be one of the clubs weighing up a swoop for Raum. However, Amorim's reliance on attacking wing-backs, and Raum's release clause, could be the perfect fit next summer.