Led by Dennis Wise, Newcastle United’s new-look player recruitment department has made an impact at St James’ Park, with Derby County yesterday rejecting a £1.5 million offer for Giles Barnes, their young midfield player. Tony Jimenez, the Newcastle vice-president (player recruitment), has been leading negotiations with Derby, although a deal is understood to be unlikely.

Paul Jewell, the Derby manager, values Barnes at £3 million – “I don’t see why we should let him go cheap,” he said – but while Newcastle admire the 19-year-old, they are reluctant to pay so much for a player who has made only 58 starts in league football.

Strengthening the midfield is not a priority, but it demonstrates Newcastle’s determination to ensure that their new system hits the ground running.

Chris Mort, the club’s chairman, confirmed yesterday that Wise, who stepped down as Leeds United’s manager on Monday, has been appointed executive director (football), while Jeff Vetere leaves Real Madrid to become the club’s technical co-ordinator.

Along with Wise and Vetere, Jimenez, 42, will be involved in signing new players, while Wise will also have involvement with the club’s academy. “This is all part of the vision that recently helped us to secure Kevin Keegan’s return to the club as manager,” Mort, rejecting reports that Keegan was unaware of or unhappy with the continental-style arrangement, said.

“Two of the conclusions of our strategic review were that the club would benefit from having a football person involved at board level and that further senior resources are needed for recruiting players of the highest quality from this country and further afield.

“Dennis would like to move away from day-to-day football management to a board role and, with his considerable energy and intelligence, we believe he will do very well.

“With Kevin able to devote his efforts to developing and running the first-team squad, Dennis, Tony and Jeff will each help us to secure success for Newcastle United.”