We have reportedly been scouting the Bundesliga for our next versatile forward, as SportBild, via Sport Witness, have linked us with a move for Benito Raman.
The German newspaper wrote in their Wednesday edition that scouts working for the Hammers have regularly attended Fortuna Dusseldorf fixtures this season, with a particular eye towards the former Belgium youth international.
Raman has not been a regular at the Merkur Spiel-Arena this season, however, and yet he has scored nine goals in the German top-flight, with three assists, as well as one apiece in the DFB Pokal.
The 24-year-old is also on fire right now, having scored three goals in as many games, including a brace last time out against Hertha Berlin, which ensured Fortuna overtook the Olympiastadion natives in the league.
A move for Raman would not break the bank, either, as SportBild note that he could be available for as little as €15million (£12.9m) as Flingeraner need to raise funds in the summer, even though they would prefer to not lose their star man.
If Mario Husillos has directed our scouts toward the Merkur Spiel-Arena this term, the club may have identified our killer Marko Arnautovic replacement, as well.
The Austrian could be set to leave in the summer, and Raman is like a younger mirror of our second-top ‘scorer in his prime, thanks to the way he can carry himself on the wing or as the lead man.
From his appearances for Fortuna this term, Raman has made 13 outings on the left wing, six on the right, and featured five times through the centre – goals have come no matter where he has played.
We are not the only club believed to be interested in Raman, however, as Everton, Arsenal and Burnley are all mentioned by SportBild.
