Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort insists the restructuring of the management setup was done with Kevin Keegan's knowledge.

The appointments of Dennis Wise as executive director and Tony Jimenez have created speculation over Keegan's own position, but Mort told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "When we interviewed Kevin for the manager's position we said we wanted a particular structure in place with someone experienced working with the board, particularly on recruitment and developing the Academy.

"At that time we had narrowed it down to two or three names and we gave those names to Kevin.

"He knew the structure and the individuals involved and we wanted to make sure he was comfortable with it."

Wise has not relocated to the north east since being appointed but Newcastle are happy for him to be living in London.

Mort added: "He splits his time between Newcastle, London and whole host of other places.

"He is travelling Europe looking at players for us. His day job is not to spend time at St James' Park, it is to go off and watch players for us.

"I am perfectly comfortable with the way he is operating."