Schalke 04 head coach Christian Gross has confirmed the Bundesliga club are in negotiations to tie 19-year-old American striker Matthew Hoppe to a new contract.
“The club management is doing everything they can to ensure that he will continue to play for Schalke in the future,” said Gross. “It is really great how he is applying himself and giving 100 percent for Schalke.
“It wouldn’t be a problem for him if Klaas-Jan Huntelaar jumps ahead of him in the pecking order. He can benefit massively from Klaas-Jan and he is determined to keep developing.”
Hoppe has scored five Bundesliga goals in his last three games for Schalke, his hat-trick against Hoffenheim helping the Royal Blues win their first league match in 31 attempts.
Schalke currently find themselves rooted to the foot of the Bundesliga, three points behind 17th placed Mainz 05. S04 welcome reigning champions Bayern Munich to the Allianz Arena on Sunday afternoon.
