Moussa Sissoko has suggested that he will be back to lead Newcastle United's improvement next season.

The French midfielder previously hinted that he would look to join a side in the Champions League this summer, but he insists that the focus is on climbing the Premier League table with Newcastle after the club avoided relegation with victory over West Ham United on the final day of the season.

"We have some holidays now and I hope next year, we will be better," Sissoko is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "Everybody knows we are a good team. We can do much better.

"The fans were fantastic from the beginning until the end. They were behind us so I need to say thank you. It was a great day for Newcastle.

"Now we have some rest and we'll be back in July for the pre-season, ready for August."

Reports on Wednesday suggested that Newcastle were preparing to open talks with Steve McClaren about taking over as manager.