Crewe Alexandra are keen to hold talks with Newcastle United regarding the future of loanee Joe White in the coming weeks, according to the News & Star.
The 21-year-old is currently on loan with the League Two side although his deal is set to expire in January and the club are desperate to ensure that he doesn’t return to the Premier League.
White is currently undergoing his third loan spell of his career following spells with both Hartlepool United and Exeter City and has become a fan favourite during a successful first-half of the League Two campaign.
In all competitions this season, White has made 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing two further assists. His only goal arrived during the club’s 2-0 win against Gillingham in early October.
White is currently under contract until June 2025 but would be free to find a new loan club in January if the two parties cannot agree on a loan extension to keep him until the end of the campaign.
Crewe Alexandra have been one of League Two’s surprise packages so far this season with the club currently sitting in fifth place, winning nine of their 17 matches and having a game in hand on the teams directly around them in the table.
Manager Lee Bell has guided his side to four wins in their last five matches in all competitions. This includes securing their place in the next round of both the FA Cup and the EFL Trophy.
Speaking in regards to White’s future, Bell told the club’s website…
“Newcastle have been brilliant with us and we have spoken to them and Joe in the last couple of weeks,
“We’ve given them some really positive feedback and hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will have some good news.”
Writer’s View
White has been a terrific addition to Crewe Alexandra’s midfield so far this season and he is a ‘must not lose’ candidate ahead of the January transfer window.
Newcastle United are unlikely to utilise White this season and given how impressive Crewe Alexandra have been, I think it is unlikely that the Magpies will want to move him from the League Two side.