'Talented' Newcastle United midfield addition spotted at training ground after transfer decision

Joe White has been training with Newcastle United's first-team this week after returning from his loan spell at Crewe Alexandra.

The 21-year-old made 25 appearances for The Railwaymen, where he scored three goals and provided the same number of assists. The League Two side wanted to keep White for the rest of the campaign but United boss Eddie Howe wants to check on the midfielder's development.

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 has bolstered the numbers in training and several absentees could soon see the player named in the matchday squad.

Howe recently admitted this a window of opportunity for White, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for Newcastle since joining from Carlisle United's academy in 2016.

"We’ve decided to bring Joe back and we’ll see where he’s at in terms of his development," said 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."

However, unfortunately for White, he is cup tied for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash away to Fulham. He 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.

United, however, face a quick turnaround after Fulham. Three days later, they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League and depending the squad's injury status, White could well push for a place in the matchday 20.