Leeds confirm Wise heading for surprise Magpies move

3:59pm Monday 28th January 2008

DENNIS WISE is quitting as manager of Leeds United this week to take over a backroom role at Newcastle United.

In an incredible move, the former Chelsea and England midfielder has been targeted by the Magpies to work in a position what would equate to that of a director of football.

Wise will take charge of Leeds' League One trip to Southend United on Tuesday night, before moving to St James' Park to work with Kevin Keegan.

Leeds have announced they have agreed a compensation deal with the Magpies for his services.

A club statement read: "We have agreed a compensation package with Newcastle United for the services of our manager Dennis Wise and he will part company with the club on Tuesday January 29 after completing the preparations for our game at Southend United that evening.

"Newcastle had approached us for permission to speak with Dennis on Friday and since then things have happened very quickly.

"We will always be grateful to Dennis for the way he has turned things around at the club on the playing side and he goes with our best wishes for the future.

"We are not prepared to comment on the inevitable speculation that will now follow about who will replace Dennis. That is not the way we do our business at this club.''

* Will Dennis Wise become a formidable partnership with Kevin Keegan or have the Toon shot themselves in the foot once again? Have your say below: