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.
. 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) | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill
. 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) | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey
. 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) | Getty Images Photo: Justin Setterfield
. 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) | Getty Images Photo: Julian Finney
. Demarai Gray - £13.25m - Leicester City
What an absolute steal this is. Somehow, the Foxes agreed to part with the dynamic dribbler for a relative pittance. He'll be a hit at St James' Park, that's for sure. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) | Getty Images Photo: Warren Little
. Fabian Delph - Everton - £13.75 million
It's a busy old day at St James' Park, as Delph becomes the first of four new arrivals in the space of 24 hours! The England international's exceptional work rate will be a boost to Newcastle's midfield. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) | Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk
. Thierry Nevers - Reading - £275k
One for the future, here. The tenacious young winner is as fit as a butcher's dog, with some eye-catching physical stats. He'll likely be loaned out to gain first team experience. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) | Getty Images Photo: Mark Runnacles
. Diego Rico - Bournemouth - Loan
The former Fantasy Football darling is let out on loan as the Cherries spend some big bucks on Emerson from Chelsea. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) | Getty Images Photo: Dan Mullan
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) | 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) | 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) | 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) | Getty Images Photo: Julian Finney