Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is reluctant to make any loan decisions early into the January market.

ChronicleLive says 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.