In-demand Fortune smiles on Celtic

08 July 2009 06:49
Fortune arrived in Glasgow for talks on Monday and declared himself "happy to be here" as he posed with fans outside Celtic Park on Tuesday. The French Guiana-born striker's agent was due in Scotland on Tuesday night to tie up the loose ends of the transfer, thought to be worth around £3.8million. The imminent signing is a significant coup for Tony Mowbray, who made Fortune his first priority when he became Celtic boss last month. Mowbray brought in Fortune on loan for West Brom in January with the 28-year-old netting five times in the Baggies' unsuccessful battle against relegation. His form alerted a number of Premier League clubs but Fortune has snubbed the likes of Hull, Fulham and Portsmouth to agree a move to Glasgow. The decision is likely to come at a financial cost to the player, as Mowbray admitted last week that Celtic could not match the wages on offer in the English top flight. Putting the chance to join Celtic and work again with Mowbray above purely financial motives will give Fortune a head start in his attempt to win over the Parkhead faithful, and he could be given a quick opportunity to impress them on the park. Celtic play Brisbane Roar on Sunday and Fortune could be on the plane that departs Glasgow on Thursday if the formalities are completed in time. On Tuesday, Nancy confirmed that Fortune would "probably" be joined at Celtic by Cameroon midfielder N'Guemo on a season-long loan. Mowbray first discussed a loan deal for the 23-year-old while at West Brom. The defensive midfielder has spent his entire career with Nancy and made 33 appearances last season. The pair would be ready-made replacements for two players not offered new deals by Mowbray. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley, who signed for Bristol City on Monday, were told they were surplus to requirements as Mowbray looks to put his imprint on the squad.

Source: Team_Talk