Bradford City lining up double Newcastle United transfer swoop - pair are 'in talks' | OneFootball

Bradford City have opened talks over a loan deal for two Newcastle United players.

Bradford City are in an incredibly strong position as they head into the final 22 league games of the season, with Graham Alexander's side keen to bolster their ranks with two Newcastle United players.

Having just gained promotion, Bradford City could be forgiven for a season of consolidation. The other trio of promoted sides to come up with the Bantams are sat in 24th, 23rd, and 13th respectively in League One.

Back-to-back promotions could be on the cards for a Bradford side sat inside the top three. They are four points ahead of Stockport County in fourth and with a game in hand, while Lincoln City are just two points ahead having played a game more.

It places them well to go up, even if they have lost two of the last five. That said, Alexander went winless in six (five draws) not long ago, and have since won six of the last eight league matches. But January is the time to kick on and add quality into the first-team, which will be required if the Bantams are to retain their promotion credentials and edge closer to a long-awaited return to the second-tier.

Bradford City eye Newcastle United duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White on loan

Bradford are one of the biggest sharks in the division, despite only just having gained promotion from League Two. However, they don't necessarily have to throw their weight around and splash the cash, with loans an effective way to add quality for a lower cost.

They have already secured the services of Louie Sibley from a higher level until the end of the season, with the Oxford United man no stranger to promotion from League One with Derby County.

Now, Craig Hope is reporting that Newcastle United duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White are targets for the Bantams, with the duo in talks over a loan switch until the end of the season.

Harrison Ashby and Joe White's backgrounds ahead of Bradford City swoop

Ashby, 24, is an attack-minded right-back who has spent the last couple of seasons in the division Bradford are trying to get to. The defender spent a half season on loan with Swansea City before a full campaign back in London with QPR in 2024/25.

Having come through the ranks at West Ham United, Ashby was signed by Newcastle in the January transfer window in 2023. White, meanwhile, is a 23-year-old from Carlisle and came through the ranks with the Magpies.

White has had loan spells in League One and League Two with Hartlepool United, Exeter City, Crewe Alexandra, MK Dons, and Leyton Orient. He has been with the latter for the first half of 2025/26 but seldom featured.

White has barely played higher than League One, with just five appearances for Newcastle so far. However, Ashby has vital experience in the second tier, despite only playing once for Newcastle and seven times for the Hammers.