For a bit of fun, we fired up the immensely popular simulation game Football Manager, and got it to predict an alternative summer transfer window for the Magpies. Take a look at the players that it predicted Steve Bruce's side to buy and sell.
5. IN - Sikou Niakate - EA Guincamp - £5m
The Magpies' forays into the French market have yielded mixed results in the past, but they came back for another bite at the cherry. The young defender looks an excellent prospect. Photo: MIKKO STIG
6. OUT - Matt Ritchie - Auxerre - £8.5m
A rather left-field transfer, here. The Scotland international was picked up for a decent fee by the Ligue 1 also-rans, and he's handed a pretty healthy wage packet too. Photo: Stu Forster
7. IN - Patrik Schick - Roma - £16m
Now you're talking! Newcastle swooped for the Czech international striker, who impressed on loan with RB Leipzig last season. He's just joined Bayer Leverkusen in real life. Photo: INA FASSBENDER
8. OUT - Andy Carroll - Maccabi Haifa - Loan
The towering striker opted for a change of scene, and took a year out to play for the Israeli giants. Photo: Pool