Last Updated: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 17:30
Martin Foyle says he has approached Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling about extending loan man Clayton Fortune's stay at Port Vale.
The 24-year-old central defender has been an instrumental member of the Vale side since his arrival from their League One rivals, playing in the seven successive games since his debut in the 4-0 FA Cup defeat against Hereford on December 2.
Leyton Orient are thought to be willing to let Fortune leave on a free transfer just five months after signing him on a two-year contract. However Foyle would like to know if the London outfit will offer him a settlement on his contract before deciding to take him to Vale Park on a long-term basis.
If nothing can be agreed then Fortune will leave after his final loan game on January 6 and Crewe are thought to be looking to snap him up.
Foyle told the Sentinel: "I have spoken to their manager, Martin Ling, to see what they want and what Clayton wants. I have to test the water, but with loan players the situation is often out of your hands.
"Clayton has done well here and formed a good partnership with George Pilkington. I feel there is more to come from him, but he still has to work on his game."