Newcastle United man returns to training - but won’t play v Brighton, Leicester & Chelsea

Joe White has returned to Newcastle United following the expiration of his loan deal at Exeter City. The midfielder was given the green light to join the Devon club during the January transfer window to get some more experience under his belt.

He went on to make 16 appearances for the League One side during the second-half of the season. It remains to be seen whether the Grecians will try and bring him back this summer.

After releasing their retained list, Exeter boss Gary Caldwell, who has worked as a youth coach at Newcastle, hasn’t ruled out a reunion: “The loanees made a huge impact on our season and whilst they have returned to their parent clubs, we hope to see them again if we can make that happen.”

The Toon Army will have a decision to make on what to do with White ahead of the next campaign. He remains under contract until 2025 but his chances of breaking into their senior team are slim at the moment.

Speaking earlier this year about potentially breaking into Newcastle’s team one day, he told BBC Sport: “The more games you’ve got (when you’re in Europe), because of how well they’re doing, it can help because hopefully you can get minutes in certain competitions because of the amount of games.

“But at the same time you’re competing against better players - the best Premier League players at the minute - to try and take their place.

“That’s what’s training’s about, just looking at who is in your position and what you can do to be as good or if not better than him.”

White, 20, started his career at Carlisle United before Newcastle snapped him up back in 2016. He has since been a key player at youth levels for the North East outfit but is still awaiting his first competitive first-team appearance.

Hartlepool United had him on loan during the 2021/22 season and he played 16 times for the Pools in League Two. The youngster then tested himself in the division above with Exeter this term.

Following Sean Longstaff’s absence in midfield, White has trained with Eddie Howe’s first-team since returning but isn’t eligible to feature in the remaining three Premier League games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester City and Chelsea.

Because White is returning outside of the transfer window, he is not permitted to feature in any first team match until the next transfer window reopens.