Former Newcastle United coach set to complete loan deal for Magpies youngster

Newcastle United youngster Joe White is set for a reunion with former Magpies coach Gary Caldwell after reportedly agreeing to join Exeter City on loan for the remainder of the season.

The move will see the Magpies midfielder make the second loan move of his career after he made 16 appearances during a temporary stint at Hartlepool United last season. White returned to Tyneside during the summer and had hoped to impress first-team manager Eddie Howe during pre-season as he looked to force his way into the senior setup at St James Park.

The 20-year-old made an appearance in last month’s friendly win against Saudi club Al-Hilal but is yet to make a senior competitive appearance, despite being named in matchday squads on four occasions over the last 16 months. However, White has been a regular in United’s second string this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 10 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking earlier this season prior to his recent departure, former Magpies Under-21 coach Elliot Dickman discussed the young midfielder’s progression following a Papa John’s Trophy defeat at Barnsley saying: “There are bits in his game tonight which have been good, but we’re not going to settle for that, we want more. The expectations of Joe are really, really high, so, without putting too much pressure on Joe, he’s got to understand where he is and where he’s at.

“He’ll eventually get to the form he showed last season. He’s not too far away from it. The games will help it. I think that was his first 90 minutes. That’s good for him to get 90 minutes under his belt. He’s just got to build on that moving forward.”

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has now reported White will get a chance to continue his progression with League One side Exeter City as they look to push for a play-off place during the second half of the season. Former Magpies academy defender Caldwell has been in charge of the third tier side since late October and will hope a raid on his old club will aid his chances of building on a solid start to life with the Greicans.