Gordon has been chasing the Barcelona full-back for the best part of a fortnight now and, while his quest has, at times, left him frustrated by Catalan red tape, there remains some hope he can get his man on a season’s loan.

“I am still speaking to people in Spain and I am still hoping we can do a deal, but it has become a drawn-out process. The fact almost everyone here is heading for Finland in the next few hours has made it more difficult, but it might still be done.”

United have been reluctant to go into too many details of the signing before pen has been put to paper, but it is understood Gonzalez — who was watched by coach Dave Bowman last month — has made all the right noises about coming to the SPL.

What is still awaited is the OK from his advisers and, ultimately, his club, and the Spanish giants have their own unique way of doing business and that can be time consuming.

And, while he would like Gonzalez in his squad for Sunday’s clash with league leaders Hearts, top of the agenda for Gordon right now is the MyPa clash.

He has confirmed injured midfielder Barry Robson will be fit enough to travel, though he remains a big doubt for the game.

“Barry has a chance, so we will take him, but I don’t see him being able to train before Thursday and he is still the major worry for us,” he added.

That said, the manager is satisfied that, should Robson have to sit this one out, he has a more-than-able deputy in Stuart Duff, who switched to the left when his team-mate was suspended for the opening league clash with Aberdeen two games ago.

“Stuart is not left-sided, but he has moved over, not complained and stuck to his task. He has defended well and it says a lot about his attitude and ability.”