Keane wants Fortune to join him at Celtic
Bafana Bafana midfielder Quinton Fortune could be on his way to Scottish champions Glasgow Celtic, with the man behind the move former Manchester United mate Roy Keane.
About a month ago Fortune was told by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson his contract at Old Trafford would not be renewed and the player would have to find a new club for the 2006-07 season.
The Cape Town-born soccer player has since been linked to a number of clubs, including Bolton and Manchester City, but revealed on Sunday he'd had talks with Celtic.
The driving force behind Fortune's possible move north is former United captain Keane who left United in a blaze of controversy late last year before signing for Celtic.
"Keano phoned me up, we were friends at United," the South African told Sunday's Mail on Sunday.
"I was in Glasgow to see things for myself and it was terrific. Celtic are one of the greatest clubs in the world, the history and passion around the place is unbelievable."
In a recent interview Keane said Fortune had always been his first choice during five-a-side games at training at Old Trafford. High praise, indeed, from the former United captain who was never shy to criticise his own team-mates. In fact, the fiery Irishman has never been afraid to speak his mind as he did four years ago at the World Cup finals when he turned on Ireland coach Mick McCarthy before walking out of the Irish camp on the eve of the tournament in Japan.
Keane must have seen something in Fortune - probably his loyalty and professionalism - during the South African's seven seasons at United.
Fortune, who turned 29 a week ago, joined Man United in August 1999 from Atletico Madrid as backup for Ryan Giggs. But Ferguson soon discovered his £1-million (about R12-million) signing could play in a number of positions.
In recent seasons Fergie used Fortune in a central midfield role and as a solid left-back. But his career at Old Trafford was hampered by injuries especially this past season which is one Fortune would prefer to forget as a knee problem kept him out of action for United's entire campaign.
In all Fortune played 76 games for the Red Devils scoring five goals.
When just 15, Fortune was taken overseas by former Hellenic coach Colin Gie where he spent about six months with Chelsea's juniors before joining Tottenham in 1995.
But a year later he was on the move again, initially for a 12-month stint at Atletico's youth set up before signing his first professional contract at Mallorca. He returned to Atletico in 1996 where he made 85 appearances in La Liga.
Fortune was one of South Africa's youngest internationals when he made his Bafana debut against Kenya in 1994 soon after turning 18.
He should have won more than his present 53 caps, but injury and rows with a number of Bafana coaches have limited his international career.
However Fortune played at the last two World Cup finals, at France 98 and four years ago in Korea/Japan where he scored his only Bafana goal in a 2-2 draw with Paraguay.
It was reported today that Fortune's agent Francis Martin is planning to speak with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell later this week.
"I don't want to make too much comment or be disrespectful to Celtic because I haven't signed anything," said Fortune. "But, from what I saw of them, it would be an honour to play for them."