‘Last-minute deal’ - AI predicts Newcastle United could sign £15m gem this month

You could be forgiven for being sick to the back teeth of AI. Just like how the internet rose to prominence in the 1990s and early 2000s, artificial intelligence is the latest talk of the town.

Governments - including the UK - have begun mapping out AI strategies as the technology is guaranteed to play an intrusive societal role in the coming years. Will this be the start of an electronic apocalypse and could we all be speaking robot language before the century is out?

Perhaps not, but the AI hype does generate some interesting Newcastle United content. Using the tool to delve into the Magpies’ transfer dilemmas has thrown up an interesting result.

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NewcastleWorld understands that outgoings are the focus as Toon chiefs continue battling tight financial restraints. A healthy league position - despite Saturday’s 4-1 humbling by Bournemouth - means the Magpies are not in a desperate position to spend.

But injuries to a couple of key players could derail Newcastle’s Carabao Cup and Champions League hopes. Could AI give us a hand to make sense of it all?

We asked Grok, the tool designed by X, whether the St James’ Park hierarchy will sign anyone this month. Even the software downplayed Newcastle’s chances - but they hinted at one possible addition who would prove a hit with supporters following his recent heroics against Sunderland.

“As of the latest information available, Newcastle United's activity in the January 2025 transfer window appears to be somewhat limited due to financial considerations tied to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR),” a response read. “There have been indications that Newcastle's spending will be limited due to PSR, with some reports suggesting that any purchase might necessitate sales in the future to balance the books. 

“Manager Eddie Howe has expressed expectations of a quiet transfer window, which aligns with the financial constraints mentioned. Given these points, it seems unlikely that Newcastle will make significant signings in the January 2025 transfer window unless there are last-minute changes or unforeseen developments. 

“There's talk about interest in players like James Trafford from Burnley for a future move but this seems planned for beyond the current window, indicating no immediate action. However, the transfer market can be unpredictable, and last-minute deals could still occur.”