Newcastle United bolster first-team with midfield addition - already confirmed by Eddie Howe

Newcastle United have confirmed Joe White has returned from his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra with Eddie Howe set to hand the young midfielder a chance to impress.

The 21-year-old made 25 appearances for The Railwaymen - his last being Saturday's 2-1 win over Swindon Town - where he scored three goals and provided the same number of assists.

With Joelinton, Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali currently unavailable, and Bruno Guimaraes one booking away from a two-match ban, United are facing a midfield shortage. White's return will bolster the numbers in training and several absentees could see the player included in the matchday squad after the winter break.

Speaking ahead of the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City, Howe admitted this a window of opportunity for White, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies.

"We’ve decided to bring Joe back and we’ll see where he’s at in terms of his development," confirmed Howe. "He’s done very well latterly in his loan.

"I’m really pleased with Joe because he’s a highly talented player. He’s had certain things to work on in his game. He’s gone away on loan and played regularly and started to contribute goals and assists.

"We’ll bring him back and see where his game is at and then make a decision based on that."

Crewe are keen to sign White for the remainder of the season, as are several clubs - including League Two leaders Stockport County - if United are willing to loan him back out.

"Joe’s been excellent, a real positive for us this season," said Crewe manager Lee Bell. "He’s a really good honest lad who wants to do well.

"He’ll go back to Newcastle now and hopefully in a couple of days we’ll hear something. He might have a conversation with Eddie Howe when he gets there. Unfortunately, they’ve picked up another injury in that area so we’ve got our fingers crossed.

"Joe wants to be here, we want him here. Newcastle obviously have to do what they need to do but we’ll have a conversation over the next week."

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 for the Magpies but has appeared in several pre-season friendlies.