The highly-rated 19-year-old, currently on loan at League Two outfit Hartlepool United, joined United's Academy from hometown club Carlisle United in 2016 before progressing through the Magpies' youth ranks.

The Cumbrian youngster, who has represented England at under-18 level, made his senior debut during Newcastle's pre-season draw at Rotherham United in July 2021 before being named on the bench for three Premier League fixtures against the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United and revealed Howe's arrival at the club proved a key factor in his decision to put pen to paper on a new deal.

"I think one of the main reasons was the new manager coming in," White, who signed his first professional contract in 2019, told nufc.co.uk. "As soon as he joined, I was training with the first team everyday which was one of the things that I wanted.

"From what I've seen in training and how much the team has improved in a short space of time, which you can see in the recent performances and results, it helped massively with my decision to stay.

"He's spoken to me personally a few times and mentioned that he already knew me before he came here. It's important for me to trust him and have a plan of what I'm going to do in the future and what he wants from me, where he sees me playing, and that gave me the reassurance that this is the right and best place to be.

"I've learnt a massive amount from him and the biggest thing is mentally. His training sessions and everything he does in his drills aren't just technically challenging. You have to be switched on and that seems to be paying off in the games with the first-team.

"Tactically, he's crazy and he also likes technical players. Hopefully, he's been impressed from what he's seen from me."

An ever-present for United's under-23 side during the opening half of the 2021/22 campaign, White scored two goals whilst registering an eye-catching ten assists in 20 competitive games for United's second-string before completing a loan switch to Hartlepool in January.

"Compared to last season, when I had two big injuries which kept me out for the majority of it, this season has been a big one for me," White revealed. "It was important I got off to a good start in pre-season and being with Newcastle's first-team and making my senior debut was a massive positive.

"It was just about trying to be up there full-time, which I eventually got, and trying to impress in (under-23) matches for a loan move in January, a target of mine which happened."

The attacking midfielder made his professional bow during the second-half of Pools' FA Cup fourth round tie away at Crystal Palace, competing against the likes of Conor Gallagher, Luka Milivojević and Jeffrey Schlupp in the middle of the park.

"Whatever level it's at, it's different to what you've been used to," White said. "I've watched many first-team games and playing in front of fans as well with men, experienced pros, is what every young footballer wants.

"To make my professional debut against Crystal Palace, in a Premier League ground, was probably the best place to make it and then making my first start against Barrow was a great experience. Hopefully, there's many more to come and my (competitive) debut for Newcastle isn't far away.

"I got a taste of it when I was on the bench with Newcastle, twice against Manchester United, with (Cristiano) Ronaldo playing. As soon as I went to Hartlepool, I found out they had the cup game and that was the one I looked forward to and aimed to make my debut in.

"To see some of the players you watch on Match of the Day or TV by your side and playing against is what I want and what I need."

Three days after achieving a lifelong dream, White was then handed his first professional start for Hartlepool's League Two visit of Barrow.

Despite falling behind in the opening stages, the hosts fought back to claim a 3-1 win at Victoria Park, with White playing a key part in the Monkey Hangers' revival.

"After my debut at Palace, it was important to make an impression," White explained. "I knew I was getting my first (professional) start the day before the game so it was all about making an impression and I didn't want people thinking 'oh, he's just a young kid coming on loan'.

"I wanted to go straight in, make an impact, and I think that's what I did. It was even better to get an assist for the first goal, which gave us momentum. We scored three quick goals in the first-half and it was a good win for the team."

White has notched nine competitive appearances for Hartlepool, the first loan move of his career, and admits he has relished the spell with the County Durham-based club to further his development.

"It's been massive," he added. "It's totally different to under-23 or academy level. Even when I'm training at Newcastle, you get a taste of first-team action when you're on the bench and just want to be a part of it.

"It's much more competitive and it's a challenge. In my first month of professional football, I've played eight games so it's tough physically, playing three times a week but I'm starting to get used to it and I'm hoping to get as many games as I can before the end of the season.

"There's a lot of seasoned pros in League Two and there's quite a few eye openers where there are certain traits which make you grow up a lot quicker rather than training with Premier League players.

"The technical ability of players may not be near the level of the Premier League but there's different things that you gain experience from which, ultimately, turns you into a man.

"That's what I need and to try to get into the Newcastle team, which is my aim. I need to be a man - I need to be trusted which is one of the things I spoke about with the gaffer (Eddie Howe) and being able to be trusted by playing in League Two will help him have more trust in me and show I have done the right things."

White believes the loan spell has benefited him both on and off the pitch and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather, Peter Hampton, who played for Don Revie's Leeds United during the 1970s and 1980s as well playing more than 100 games each for Stoke City and Burnley.

"I'm learning more as a person," he said. "You're with the team everyday and it's a bit different travelling wise. You'd fly to games with Newcastle whereas I got back at 5am the other day from an away game at Colchester!

"It's not just about growing up on the pitch but off it too. You're around seasoned pros, men, and you have to integrate with them, earn their respect, and that's what I think I've done.

"Eddie Howe had said that, especially at my age, the most important thing to focus on is football and have no distractions. He made that clear and that this is the best place to be at the minute.

"As soon as he came in and spoke to me, I wanted to get it done. I can now focus on my football and look on to the end of the season and further."