Matthew Hoppe on brink of completing Boro transfer as Teessiders navigate key hurdle over £3m deal

Middlesbrough are ready to officially announce the signing of Matthew Hoppe from Real Mallorca in the coming days after overcoming the final step towards his transfer, TEAMtalk understands.

The Teessiders struck a deal, worth in the region of £3m, last week to bring the 21-year-old USA striker to the Riverside, as exclusively revealed. The former Schalke man has opted to move to Boro ahead of rival interest from Sunderland. And having already also agreed personal terms over his move, Boro were left with one hurdle left to clear.

That was the successful application for a work permit for the Californian-born star. However, sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that this has now been granted, freeing up Chris Wilder’s side to announce the signing.

Now an announcement is being prepped by Boro, with Hoppe – who has six caps and one goal for his country – in the region and ready to begin work for his new club.

As such, that could even be announced in time for Hoppe to potentially make his debut this weekend. Wilder’s side host his former club, Sheffield United, at the Riverside in what should be a keenly-fought contest.

Boro have started the season poorly with just one point from their first two games. As such, they will see the match on Sunday as a real chance to give their season a lift-off.

Hoppe’s arrival should certainly help them towards that.

Wilder has been keen to add more firepower to his ranks after recognising that as an area of weakness last season.

Boro hoping for goals from Matthew Hoppe

Their top scorer in the Championship last season was Matt Crooks, who managed just 10 goals. As such, Wilder has been intent on strengthening their options up front.

Boro have already brought in Danish striker Mikkel Forss from Brentford. The 23-year-old has made one goal so far to his name, scoring on his debut in the 3-2 defeat at QPR.

Adding Hoppe to the ranks will give Wilder genuine options up front as they look to mount a promotion push.

The Californian will also be hoping to fare better on Teesside than he did in Mallorca.

He departs the LaLiga side after just one season, failing to score in his five appearances them. However, only one of those appearances was from the start and he did at least manage an assist.

Hoppe, however, will be hoping life on Teesside is more to his liking.

Hoppe will also be the second American to sign for Middlesbrough this transfer window. He will goalkeeper Zack Steffen in the Teessiders’ squad; the goalkeeper signing on loan from Manchester City earlier this summer.