'Cheeky boy' - Club drop Newcastle United transfer hint as midfielder deal mooted

It was around 12 months ago that Eddie Howe turned to his bench, with Newcastle United in desperate need of some spark.

Down 2-1 at home to Bournemouth, the head coach went in search for a spark to the reserves. And while Matt Ritchie ended up taking the headlines, netting a dramatic stoppage time equaliser - his last real act in black and white - it was a young pup alongside him, who also made his black and white bow that day.

Joe White is a player whose rise in the Magpies’ academy often went hand-in-hand with that of similarly profiled Elliot Anderson. And when the latter went to Nottingham Forest in a PSR-saving deal in June, many wondered whether that would open up the door for White, who went on to make four appearances for United last season in the Premier League.

However, with Sandro Tonali on the way back, it was deemed the next best step was for White to go back to League Two, this time with MK Dons, then under the guidance of former United defender Mike Williamson.

Williamson is long gone in Milton Keynes, but White’s presence remains. In fact, the player has been one of the stand out performers for the club, winning December’s player of the month award.

White has scored six goals in 22 appearances, the latest of which came in the midweek 2-1 win over Harrogate Town. A typical jinking run ending with a left-footed finish.

And, in celebration of the goal, did MK give their REAL game away when it comes to White?

Taking to X, the club tweeted: “Class is permanent”.

We wonder, is that the biggest hint yet they want to make the deal more concrete, with White only on loan until May?

Fans took it as such, reacting to the news with “make it perm” and “cheeky boy admin”.

What is Joe White’s contract at NUFC?

When he left for MK Dons, White revealed he’d penned a new deal with the Magpies. His previous deal, signed in 2022, was due to run out this summer.

The 22-year-old is now signed up with the Magpies until 2027.

What does Eddie Howe think of Joe White?

Speaking earlier this month, Howe admitted he was interested to see what the future holds for the player, who he is keeping a ‘close eye’ on.

“We'll wait and see what happens with all the loan players. We'll make decisions based on the players' needs and our needs,” said the United head coach.

“I'm pleased to see Joe White especially getting a lot of football. He's done well and we're keeping a close eye on him, someone we believe has got really good technical skills and ability. It'll be interesting to see what is next for Joe.”