Minnesota United has acquired Alexi Gomez, a versatile Peruvian player, in a loan agreement with an option to buy.

Once his paperwork is complete, Gomez will fill an international slot on the Loons' roster. He was acquired from Universitario, a Lima-based club. United coach Adrian Heath said Wednesday that Gomez won't be available for the game against Portland Saturday.

Gomez is a "great deliverer of a ball into the box, from set pieces and on the run, so I just think it's another piece for us that will increase even more competition," Heath said.

Gomez, 25, turned professional in 2012 before moving to Universitario in 2013. He played on Peru's under-20 national team that year. He left Peru in 2015 to play in Sweden before returning the next year and rejoining Universitario. He scored 12 goals in 33 games during the 2017 season. He also had five appearances with the Peru men's senior national team.

Earlier this season he spent three months on loan with Atlas FC.

In terms of his position, Gomez can play down the left and in the central midfield, Heath said.

"He's very dynamic," Heath said. "He can play three or four really good positions, which I think will help us."

Jack White is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.