This is why Celtic and Rangers target Joe White opted for Hartlepool United loan move

Joe White has joined Hartlepool United on loan for the rest of the season (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The 19-year-old has been an unused substitute on three occasions during a tentative introduction to first-team life on Tyneside - but will now experience senior football for the first time at the Suits Direct Stadium.

White is understood to have agreed a new long-term deal with the Magpies after he was the subject of interest from Chelsea, Leeds United and Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic.

The highly-rated midfielder has joined Pools on a loan deal until the end of the season and could make his senior debut when his new side face Premier League club Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

White is eager to show what he can do with the League Two club and is looking forward to working under Pools boss Graeme Lee.

He told the club website: “I’m really keen to play first team football now and once I knew Hartlepool were interested I wanted to come.

“I know the manager wants to play good football and that was one of the key reasons why I wanted to join.

“I want to play as many games as possible between now and the end of the season, scoring and assisting goals and showing the fans what I’m capable of.”

Pools have confirmed White has been handed squad number 30 during his time with the club.