Manager is now ‘confident’ his side will re-sign 21-year-old Newcastle player on loan this month

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Newcastle United are preparing to welcome Joe White back to the club after this weekend.

The 21-year-old left St James’ Park during the summer, agreeing to move to Crewe Alexandra on loan for the first half of the season.

His deal will expire this weekend, with Joe White‘s last game for Crewe set to be Saturday’s League Two clash with Swindon Town.

After that game, the midfielder is going to head back to Newcastle and work with Eddie Howe‘s team. However, a second loan of the season could be on the cards.

That is because Crewe manager Lee Bell has spoke about White’s future, and admitted that he is hoping to re-sign him during the January transfer window.

Crewe boss speaks about Newcastle midfielder’s future

Bell spoke to Crewe’s official website and provided an update on White’s future.

“We’ve had a lot of talk (with Newcastle) this week and we feel we have hit somewhere that we can be confident enough that Joe will come back to us on loan,” he said.

“Newcastle have their injury problems so Eddie Howe wants to have a look at him. He will go back after Saturday’s game.

“That’s brilliant for Joe and I’ve told him he should be proud of that. He has been brilliant for us up to now, so let’s hope that can continue.”

Newcastle return will likely be short lived for Joe White

It is interesting to hear that Eddie Howe is going to take another look at White. It is a sensible decision, as the Magpies could do with some extra bodies given their injury woes.

And they are looking for a new midfielder, which is why Kalvin Phillips is so heavily linked with a move to Tyneside. Perhaps White could negate the need for Phillips to arrive if he impresses Howe in training.

However, that would be hugely surprising, as White is someone who is yet to make his competitive debut in a Toon shirt. He has been very open about his desire to represent Howe’s side, having played for Newcastle’s first-team in friendlies.

But White’s eagerness is unlikely to result in a Premier League debut this season. It is wise for Howe to take a fresh look considering how depleted Newcastle’s squad has been, but it is for the best that White returns to Crewe.

He has been doing well for the Railwaymen, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 19 appearances. His most recent strike came on Saturday, as he netted the winner in a 1-0 win over Mansfield.

It sounds like Crewe manager Lee Bell is very fond of White, so a return to the League Two side suits all parties. That will allow him to continue playing regular football, ahead of what will be a big pre-season on Tyneside.

White’s Newcastle contract expires in the summer of 2025, so he will be fighting for his future heading into next season.