Young star's future 'in Newcastle's hands' as Crewe manager outlines Joe White hope

Newcastle youngster Joe White has impressed on loan at Crewe and boss Lee Bell is keen to keep him for the second half of the season

Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell wants to keep Newcastle United youngster Joe White at the club for the remainder of the season, having impressed in his initial loan spell.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been a big hit at Gresty Road since joining on a short-term loan deal. He has made 24 appearances for the Alex in all competition, scoring three goals and assisting a further three to help Crewe to fifth in the League Two table.

He loan is due to expire this month, but Bell is hoping he can persuade Newcastle to extend the deal for the rest of the campaign - and he says the player is happy to stay.

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“It is in Newcastle’s hands," he said. "Joe wants to stay and we want him to stay.

“I’m going to have to speak to them again and try to sort something. We are giving him the opportunity to play and express himself and that will help him further down the line. I’ll talk to them; I’m not sure what they will do.”

This is the third loan deal of White's time at Newcastle, having spent time at Exeter City and Hartlepool United in previous seasons. White scored the only goal of the game last weekend as Crewe defeated Mansfield Town 1-0.