'I'll talk to them' - Newcastle United set for transfer talks over three-goal midfielder

Crewe Alexandra boss Lee Bell has pleaded with Newcastle United to extend Joe White's loan until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old's loan spell at the League Two club expires on January 14 but Bell intends to speak with the Magpies in hope of retaining the attacking midfielder's service until May.

White has been a hit at the Mornflake Stadium having scored three goals in 24 appearances. Crewe currently sit fifth in the table and have aims of making the play-offs but could be dealt a huge blow by Newcastle if White departs.

Crewe's fourth-tier rivals Stockport County - who occupy top spot - are among the clubs to have registered an interest in White. Newcastle themselves might be keen to take another look at the player amid the lengthy list of absentees.

“It is in Newcastle’s hands - Joe wants to stay and we want him to stay," said Bell.

“I’m going to have to speak to them again and try to sort something. We are giving him the opportunity to play and express himself and that will help him further down the line. I’ll talk to them; I’m not sure what they will do.”

White swapped Carlisle United's academy for Newcastle's in 2016. He was on the radar of Celtic, Rangers, Chelsea and Leeds United before signing a new three-year contract in March 2022.

The former Hartlepool United and Exeter City loanee is yet to make a senior first-team appearance but the Magpies but has appeared in several pre-season friendlies.