In the meantime, record numbers of football fans have been taking to Football Manager to get their fix. For a bit of fun, we've fired up the popular management sim and sent the game into the future, to have a peek at who the Magpies are predicted to sign over the next three transfer windows.
1. Summer sales
You join us in summer 2020, where the Magpies who generate £44m in sales. Deandre Yedlin is off to Germany for £10m, Isaac Hayden joins Wolves for £10.5m, and Yoshinori Muto goes to Russia for a decent fee. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. Moise Kean - Everton - Loan
The Toffees striker is the Magpies' first deal of the transfer window, arriving at St James' Park looking for some first team football. He's absolutely rapid, and a clinical finisher, too. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
3. Joel Ward - Crystal Palace - £5.25 million
Mike Ashley opens his cheque book as Newcastle secure their first permanent deal. The right-back has bags of Premier League experience, and his 18/20 'determination' rating should come in handy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
4. Adrian - Liverpool - £4 million
Well, that's quite the bargain. Martin Dubravka is shifted out on loan to Brighton, allowing the ex-West Ham United star to take the number one shirt. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) Photo: Julian Finney