Newcastle United confirm midfield addition - could be involved against Aston Villa

Joe White will feature in Newcastle United's first-team plans for the remainder of the season, Eddie Howe has confirmed.

The 21-year-old spent the first-half of the campaign on loan at League Two side Crewe Alexandra, where he scored three goals and provided the same number of assists.

Crewe were keen to extend White's stay, while several other EFL clubs had also registered an interest, but Howe has decided to keep him on Tyneside amid a lack of options in midfield.

"Joe will stay with us for the rest of the season," confirmed Howe. "We're light on bodies in midfield and I think it is a good opportunity for him to come in and show he's at the level.

"He's certainly improved. The loan spell has been a very beneficial thing for him. This could be a great opportunity for him."

United are without Joelinton until May after the Brazilian underwent thigh surgery last week. Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are also sidelined, leaving Sean Longstaff, 17-year-old Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes, who is one Premier League yellow card away from serving a two-match ban, as the only available central midfielders.

White was cup tied for United's FA Cup fourth round win at Fulham on Saturday having featured for Crewe in the first and second round against Derby County and Bristol Rovers, respectively. FA Cup rules prevent players from representing two clubs in the competition in the same season.

Howe's side return to Premier League action when they travel to Aston Villa on Tuesday night and White could be named in the matchday squad.

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.