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Misfit Middlesbrough midfielder Carlos de Pena has emerged as a target for clubs in America’s MLS.

The Boro fringe flanker’s name has been bandied about as clubs in the fast developing Stateside professional set-up approach their pre-season squad-building phase.

The transfer window for the 22 team league doesn’t officially open until 14 February but teams are currently looking at drafts, trades and lining up new signings ahead of the new season’s start in March.

(Image: Evening Gazette)

MLS teams operate under strict squad size and wage regulations and are also restricted to eight overseas players and at this stage clubs make a lot of changes and trades to make the numbers stack up.

And US sources say that Uruguayan left-winger de Pena has been pencilled in as a potential addition for a clutch of clubs including San Jose Earthquakes and this term’s two new expansion franchises, Atlanta FC and Minnesota United.

MLS sides would not be able to afford anywhere near the £2.6m Boro paid so a permanent switch is not on the cards but all parties may be open to a season long loan.

The winger has fallen off the Riverside radar this term after failing to make a major impact in his first season in England so may welcome the opportunity for serious action.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

He arrived in a dramatic race against time on deadline day in August 2015 in an on-off switch from Montevideo club Nacional.

But he made just 10 appearances in all competitions as he struggled to get to grips with the pace and intensity of the English game.

And De Pena, 24, has not featured on a first team sheet at all this season but has played in the EFL Trophy and in a string of outings in the Under-23 Academy side he has scored four goals, including a brace at Manchester United.

Now he may be offered the chance to revive his career in the USA.

Boro have dealt with MLS based agents before. Barry Robson left to join Vancouver Whitecaps when his contract expired in 2012 while Seb Hines left to join Orlando City, initially on loan, in February 2015, although that switch was smoothed by having a US passport.

And Boro boss Aitor Karanka and keeper coach Leo Perchovic both have good contacts in the States after a spell at Colorado Rapids.