An update has emerged regarding Sunderland's pursuit of Matthew Hoppe in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

Kristjaan Speakman is reportedly eyeing up a move for the USA international ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, according to MLS insider Tom Bogert.

The reporter has also claimed that one of the Black Cats' Championship rivals have made a bid in the region of £2.5m for the attacker.

He tweeted: "Middlesbrough have made an offer to Mallorca for USMNT forward Matthew Hoppe, per sources. Offer is around $3m (including add-ons). Sunderland interested as well. Hoppe, 21, has six caps with the USMNT. Joined Mallorca last summer from Schalke."

Forget about Nathan Broadhead

The Black Cats are said to be keen on a deal to bring Nathan Broadhead back to the club from Everton after his loan spell on Wearside last term. However, nothing is imminent, and Hoppe has now emerged as a potential alternative to the Welshman.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Toffees loanee caught the eye as he scored 10 goals in 22 League One outings for Sunderland. He proved that he fits how Alex Neil wants to play and that he can perform alongside the players currently at the Stadium of Light.

However, it remains to be seen how Broadhead would handle the step up to Championship football. He has only proven himself in the third tier of English football, and it would be a gamble to expect him to replicate his form at a higher level.

Conversely, Hoppe would be dropping down a tier to arrive at the Stadium of Light. He played in La Liga for Mallorca last term, albeit that he only featured in five games, and he was in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04 for the 2020/21 campaign before his move to Spain.

The American, who was once dubbed "complete" by Jacek Kulig, caught the eye in Germany as he found the net six times in 15 starts, whilst setting up one goal for his team-mates. He has shown that he can score goals in a major European league, which suggests that he has the quality to perform in the second tier in England.

Therefore, the 21-year-old dynamo has the potential to be a superb signing for Sunderland if Speakman can beat Middlesbrough to his signature. Fans will quickly forget all about Broadhead if Hoppe comes through the door and starts banging in the goals week in, week out in the Championship.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops 12-word Sunderland transfer claim that'll excite supporters...