And the 24-year-old has admitted that the offer of first team football would sway a decision for him, as he considers his place in South Africa's squad for the forthcoming World Cup.
"Because I don't play regularly, I feel my World Cup place is threatened," he conceded today.
"I want to go to the World Cup with South Africa so it is important for me to play."
If Fortune makes a switch to the Riverside Stadium he will become the third player to follow McClaren north after moves for Jonathon Greening and Mark Wilson in the summer.