Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has wrote off their chances of competing for a European place next season.

"In the next year? I think it would be tough," said Llambias.

"It's taken Aston Villa three seasons to get there. They have done a great job. I would love to be up their like Aston Villa.

"They have got a good team - no better than us - but they are up there, they are competing for that top four and it's fantastic that they are.

"We would love to be in that position once we are settled. We need a little bit more stability on the team side and a little bit more of a solid base, and that's what we want to give them."