QUINTON Fortune looks set to become a Bolton Wanderers player by the end of the week.

The South African, who can perform anywhere down the left or in central midfield, would be the first of six possible new faces at the Reebok this summer as boss Sam Allardyce attempts to rebuild his squad after the disappointment of not qualifying for Europe.

Fortune, 28, is available on a Bosman transfer after being told he is free to leave Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson and Bolton, who have also been linked with another former Red, Nicky Butt, look to be in pole position to land the South African international.

Fortune has made 126 appearances for United, scoring 15 goals, since arriving from Atletico Madrid back in August 1999.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Vaz Te has been included in Portugal's squad for the UEFA European Under 21 Championship which starts later this month.

Talks

The Lisbon-born striker scored three goals in the final four games of Wanderers' campaign.

Elsewhere, Henrik Pedersen is confident he has a future at Bolton after talks with Allardyce.

The former Denmark international, who was signed as a striker, proved his versatility to Wanderers by appearing as a left-back towards the end of last season.

Pedersen, who had been a target for Wigan Athletic in January's transfer window, said: "I got the impression that the manager wants me for next season.

"I am not overjoyed to be at left-back though. If this is the manager's plan then I might have to reconsider things."

Pedersen, who signed for Bolton in July 2001 from Silkeburg, is out of contract in July, and could again be a target for Paul Jewell's Wigan if talks break down.

Meanwhile, reports from Nigeria suggest that the reason for Jay Jay Okocha's departure from the Reebok is that he refused to take a pay-cut to stay at the Reebok.

Would you like to see Fortune at Bolton? Have your say.