Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is set to take a close look at promising Cumbrian Joe White after his successful loan spell.

The Carlisle-born midfielder is poised to return to his Premier League parent club after spending the first half of the season in League Two with Crewe Alexandra.

Crewe want to bring White back for the rest of the campaign and manager Lee Bell says there is some “confidence” that will happen.

But first the skilful 21-year-old will get his chance to impress with the Magpies’ top-flight squad.

"We had a lot of talk earlier on in the week, and we think we've hit somewhere where we feel confident enough that Joe will come back to us on loan,” said Bell at a press conference.

"But he's done so well for us, and Newcastle have their injury concerns and Eddie Howe wants to have a look at him.

"I told him he should be proud of that. He's playing that well that he's got himself in a position where his club wants to have a real look at him and see where he's up to.

"He'll go back after Saturday's game [against Swindon Town], he's been brilliant for us and let's hope that can continue if Newcastle can bring in about five midfield players...”

Attacking midfielder White, grandson of the late former Carlisle United and Workington Reds man Pete Hampton, has scored three goals in 24 appearances for the Railwaymen.

The former England youth international struck the winner for fifth-placed Crewe against promotion rivals Mansfield Town last weekend.

White, who has previously been on loan at Hartlepool United and Exeter City, has been linked with League Two leaders Stockport County in recent weeks.

The young Cumbrian said of his time at Crewe: “I've loved every minute of it.

"I don't know what's happening next but I just want to thank everyone here [at Crewe].

"I don't know what's going to happen but we'll see hopefully in the next few days.

"It's been up in the air for so long, kind of because of the Newcastle injuries and stuff, which they can't do anything about.”