Newcastle United midfielder confirms he is fit to play this weekend - new contract signed until 2027

White completed his season-long loan move to the League Two side on transfer deadline day having penned a new contract at St James’ Park until 2027. The 21-year-old’s deal was due to expire next summer but the extended terms is a sign that Eddie Howe & Co still hold hopes of him developing into a Premier League performer.

For that to become a reality, White knows the importance of impressing on loan. And at MK Dons, he is under the guidance of a former Magpies defender in Mike Williamson.

“I'd spoken to the manager the day before, he told me how he saw me fitting into the team, and I knew how well he did at Gateshead, and started so well here, so it made me want to come down and play here,” said White.

“He sees that I can improve the squad, but I see myself, especially in this team, playing higher or as a 4. I did that at Crewe last season, so wherever I'm needed, my versatility will help the team.”

White joined the Magpies’ academy eight years ago, progressing through the ranks before getting his first taste of senior football in short spells at Hartlepool United and Exeter City.

He then spent the first-half of last season on loan at Crewe Alexandra which proved to be his most successful period to date, scoring three times and registering the same number of assists in 25 appearances.

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Crewe were keen to keep White for the season, while a number of other clubs also showed an interest, but Eddie Howe decided to include him in his first-team plans for the second-half of the campaign amid an injury crisis.

White made his Premier League debut against AFC Bournemouth before making further substitute appearances versus Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. White then featured in the opening pre-season friendly against SpVgg Unterhaching before a back injury ruled him out the remainder of the games.

“I've had a little injury which has held me back initially, but I'm back fit and I need to get up to match speed, but it's not a bad one to start with this weekend,” said White. “I've trained with the lads a few times now, settled in nicely and I'm really looking forward to the weekend.

“I want to develop here, that's why you go on loan. Being around first team football and feeling like a first team player, I want to become a mainstay in the team and help them get promoted.”