The transfer talk is already ramping up as Newcastle United prepare to make the most of their next opportunity to boost Eddie Howe's injury ravaged squad. The Magpies endured mixed fortunes in the summer transfer window after the likes of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento all moved to St James Park. The biggest spend of the window went on Italy international Tonali - but the St James Park faithful only caught brief glimpses of his talent after the former AC Milan received a long-term ban for breeching gambling laws in his home country.
Barnes is only now approaching a return from an injury that has kept him on the sidelines over three months and he could make his comeback over the next two weeks. On-loan Chelsea youngster Lewis Hall is yet to nail down a regular place in Eddie Howe's squad but Livramento has proved to be a shrewd addition following his £32m move from Southampton.
United are believed to be keen to strengthen right down the middle of their side with a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward believed to be on the agenda - but there will be plenty of competition as clubs around the Premier League look to conduct their own business.
How could the January transfer window play out? We fired up Football Manager 2024 to see which big deals the world's most popular managerial simulation predicts will come to fruition - and Newcastle have landed a major deal for a Serie A star.

1. Joao Palhinha: Fulham to Chelsea
There was short switch across West London for the Portugal midfielder as he joined Chelsea in a £62m deal. | AFP via Getty Images

2. Dani Olmo: RB Leipzig to Arsenal
A big move for Arsenal as they capture the Spain international for £51m. | Getty Images

3. Yves Bissouma: Tottenham Hotspur to Al-Hilal
Bissouma became the latest star to move to Saudi Arabia after completing a £44.5m move to Al-Hilal. | Getty Images

4. Goncalo Inacio: Sporting CP to Manchester City
Pep Guardiola wins the race for one of European football's most highly-rated defenders in a £43m deal. | Getty Images
