Dennis Wise has been driving Newcastle United's sensational move for Dinamo Zagreb ace Luka Modric, it has been revealed.

The Guardian says Wise, Newcastle's executive director (football), has been the prime mover in a deal which looks poised to become the first to be completed since the former Leeds manager's arrival in late January as head of a new European style scouting system.

Indeed Wise and Tony Jimenez, Newcastle's recruitment supremo, were heavily involved in arranging not only Modric's visit to Newcastle but a meeting that Zdravko Mamic, Dinamo's vice-president, held with club representatives in the city's Malmaison hotel this week. The agent Peter Harrison was also present.

Dinamo are seeking £20 million for the Croatia star, though it's understood Toon are confident of paying significantly less. Personal terms are set to range between £60-80,000-a-week.