Ex-Sunderland 'target' watched by Tony Mowbray could leave Middlesbrough on loan

The striker was linked with Sunderland in the summer but ended up joining Championship rivals Middlesbrough before Michael Carrick replaced Chris Wilder in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium.

The 21-year-old United States international made the move from Spanish side Real Mallorca to Teesside, signing a four-year deal but has fallen further down the pecking order with the arrival of Cameron Archer on loan from Aston Villa.

Hoppe featured against Sunderland for Middlesbrough’s under-21 team on Monday night, a game which ended in a 7-5 win for the Teessiders. Hoppe bagged a brace and was watched by Carrick and by Black Cats head coach Tony Mowbray.

“He’s (Hoppe) done well since I’ve been here,” said Carrick. “We’re obviously fortunate to have good options at the top end of the pitch. You would like to give everyone more opportunities and more minutes really, but it’s not always possible.

“But he’s trained really well and he’s a really good lad. He’s been terrific in training, so he’s just got to be patient and like the rest of them, be ready for when you get that chance. Everybody so far has.”

Asked about a potential loan move, Carrick added: “It’s ifs, buts and maybes, really. That’s not about any individuals in particular, but as ever in a transfer window, some might come in and some might end up going out, either permanently or on loan. We’ll just have to wait and see how that goes.”