Joe White admits he considered leaving Newcastle before Eddie Howe's appointment.

The 19-year-old is currently embarking on his first experience of competitive senior football on loan with League Two side Hartlepool United, making nine appearances so far.

He told ChronicleLive: "To be honest, before Howe came in and the takeover was completed, I was thinking what's best for my development. I was unsure whether to stay.

"But as soon as he came in, my only thought really was to play first-team football and the best pathway for me. The gaffer kind of made my mind up, and even if I do spend a couple of seasons on loan, I want to get into this Newcastle and Eddie Howe side.

"It's what I've wanted for a long time."