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.

5. Nico Williams: Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United
A new winger for Erik ten Hag as Spain star Williams joins in a £43m move. | Getty Images

6. Giorgi Mamardashvili: Valencia to Tottenham Hotspur
A goalkeeper probably wasn't on Ange Postecoglou's list of priorities - but the Georgian international still joined Spurs in a £39m move. | AFP via Getty Images

7. Teun Koopmeiners: Atalanta to Newcastle United
The versatile Dutch international joined the Magpies in a £29.5m deal on the final day of the window. | Getty Images

8. Ricardo Horta: Braga to Aston Villa
A new winger for Aston Villa as Unai Emery's squad is boosted with the £25m capture of the Braga star. | AFP via Getty Images


