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(Sunday) That is the hope.

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“If we can get all our ducks in a row over the next 24 to 48 hours then that would allow us to include him in the squad (for Sunday's cup game at Kilmarnock).

“I think just to have him and Julius (Eskesen) in the squad for Sunday would be a great boost to everybody."

Goodwin has been chasing Stephenson, who was his young player of the year last season, all summer.

He predicted: “If we do get the deal done then we're getting a player that's really fit and in a good place.

"He's played lots of good minutes and he's been training and available every day.

“So it’s a very straightforward one for us, him coming back into the group.

Luca Stephenson in action for Dundee United

"He knows how we work, he knows what we expect and he's one that drives standards daily in training and sets a great example in the games.

“He’s just a good boy, but a really good footballer as well.

“I think I said to you guys at the end of the season and throughout the summer what my thoughts were on Luca.

There's been a lot of clubs interested in Luca.

"But he loved his time at Dundee United last year.

He built up a great rapport with his teammates, with the supporters.

“I think the supporters loved him and appreciated what he gave to the cause last year, especially when there was a considerable period of time he was playing through a double hernia injury that not most people would have done.

“But the type of character that he is, he wanted to play through the pain barrier because he knew what was at stake for the team.“He's played a lot of minutes, which is a good thing for us anyway.”

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin

Stephenson’s return and the signing of Julius Eskesen will boost United’s midfield options and both are expected to be done in time for the the Premier Sports Cup clash with Kilmarnock.

It comes at a good time with Isaac Pappoe suffering ligament knee damage and unlikely to return until into the new year.

They are in contact with Ferencvaros to see how they want to plan his rehabilitation.

The United manager confirmed: ”It's a little bit of everything at the moment.

“We feared the worst at the time.

I can't really put a time on it, but it certainly won't be this side of the new year.”