Stockport County have been linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Joe White, as reported by The Shields Gazette.
The 21-year-old has spent the first half of the season with fellow League Two side Crewe Alexandra appearing 23 times in all competitions. During that time he has supplied two goals and three assists, predominantly playing in the centre of midfield.
His performances with the Railwaymen have helped them rise into the play-off positions, currently sat in 6th place. They’d no doubt be higher had there not been a seven-match winless run in December, but Lee Bell’s side would get back on track on New Year’s Day with a 1-0 win over Bradford City.
White’s half-season loan deal with the club runs out on the 14th of January meaning he is likely to appear twice more for the club against Mansfield and Swindon respectively. It is understood that Crewe are wanting to extend White’s deal until the end of the season, though they may face some competition.
It has today emerged that current League Two leaders Stockport County are also interested in taking on the 21-year-old for the second half of the season to strengthen their promotion chances.
The Hatters did at one point have a six point lead at the top of the table, however that has now been cut to just two points following a run of three games without a win. During that spell, Stockport would lose 2-0 to their nearest challengers Mansfield Town, who also have two games in hand, if making those games in hand count, then they would go to the top of the table.
Although the title would come as a huge achievement, promotion is what matters most. After losing the Play-Off Final last year, Stockport are looking to achieve promotion at the nearest opportunity.
Strengthening the current squad would certainly boost their chances, and bringing White in would do just that. He is already proven in the league, something which is a huge positive and he may relish the opportunity to play for a top-three side.
It is also not out of question that the midfielder could return to the Premier League side given their current injury crisis which could scupper both of the League Two clubs’ plans. With the January transfer window now open, you would expect Newcastle to strengthen in that area to still give White the opportunity to progress out on loan.
Writer’s View
Adding White to the ranks would be a good move for Stockport given the performances that he has put in for Crewe in the first half of the season. The midfielder would potentially see a reduction in minutes however and Newcastle could choose to send him back to the Railwaymen.
That is if he does actually go out on loan again. With ten days left until his return to Newcastle there is still plenty of time for a decision to be made. For his progression, staying at Crewe for the second half of the season could be the best, however being part of a side who look destined for promotion could also be very beneficial for White.
Senior Editor
