If a recent report from the Chronicle Live is believed to be true, Celtic have registered interest in Newcastle United teenager Joe White. But they are not alone in the hunt as their Old Firm rivals Rangers, as well as clubs from England and Germany, are also keeping close tabs on his situation at St. James’ Park.
It’s a new era in Tyneside following the Saudi Arabia-backed takeover. However, the Magpies must escape relegation first before emerging as the heavyweights in the forthcoming future. The management dismissed Steve Bruce from his duties after an array of dreadful outcomes and appointed Eddie Howe as his successor who was close to joining the Hoops back in summer.
Although it was Bruce who promoted White in the first-team set-up, his future pretty much lies in Howe’s hands. The youngster is impressing week in week out in Premier League 2 and has registered 4 assists in 10 outings as cited by Transfermarket. Moreover, he has found the net against Mansfield Town in a 6-3 EFL Trophy defeat and his emergence with the reserves earned him a place in the matchday squad against Manchester United.
Why It’s A Smart Move From Celtic
The midfield attacker grabbed a senior status during Newcastle’s pre-season outings. Nevertheless, he is yet to make his official debut despite knocking at the first-team door for quite some time. The 19-year-old played it coy while speaking on his future earlier this year and it is to be seen now how Howe handles the situation in the coming days.
The Carlisle-born prodigy is most effective in a box-to-box role given his ball-carrying ability and creative spark. A ‘number 10’ status suits his game, whereas the starlet has also been deployed as a wide midfield option. He is growing physically to attune to senior minutes and the Bhoys would be benefitted from his arrival if a deal is struck in January.
Ange Postecoglou is turning things around at Parkhead overcoming early jitters. His summer signings are already making a difference across competitions and the club might opt for further reinforcements in winter to reclaim the coveted Premiership crown. While the gaffer is monitoring the progress of Liam Shaw, Osaze Urhoghide and Bosun Lawal, White might initially line up for the reserves alongside the aforementioned youngsters.
Having said that, his transition should be quicker due to the lack of depth in the middle of the park. Skipper Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull are the only names who offer creativity from a central role and the upcoming fixture congestion would require more options to avoid fatigue and injuries in the long run. White, therefore, should consider an exit unless he secures a sporadic status under Howe by the end of this calendar year.
