Howe holds back loan moves until virus crisis is overcome

NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe is set to delay decisions on outgoing loan deals until the club get over their current Covid crisis, writes LEE RYDER.

However, that could be good news for midfield pair Joe White and Elliot Anderson who are in strong contention to take part in the FA Cup third round clash at home to Cambridge United.

Howe said he would deal with the FA Cup when the situation comes up but he is under extra pressure to rest both Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff for the clash with the League One side – not least after Isaac Hayden was ruled out for two months after a knee operation and Joe Willock has also been absent.

White and Anderson have stepped up to the bench in the last two Premier League games but are potentially edging closer to top-flight minutes with a host of seniors struggling to make the squad for the clash with Southampton.

But the duo are classed as safe bets to cope with the challenge of Cambridge by the club’s senior management team.

Anderson is desperate to get out on loan and watched on 12 months ago as a loan deal to Luton collapsed with Steve Bruce’s side hit by injuries.

Now he finds himself in a similar position again one year later.

White, who has attracted interest in the transfer market from Leeds and Chelsea in the last six months, is another who could do with a loan exit.

There is a new contract on the table for the Cumbrian, but Howe has urged everybody to focus in the early part of January as the club look to shake off Covid, make progress in the Cup and pick up valuable Premier League points.