Newcastle United director of football Joe Kinnear has claimed that his long-term target is to get the club back into the Champions League.

The Magpies finished just five points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone last season, but Kinnear believes that, with the right additions, Alan Pardew's men can make significant progress.

"Last season was a disappointing one, but the simple truth was that the squad just wasn't strong enough," Kinnear told The Mirror.

"The Europa League also took its toll because of injuries and that was felt in the league. My job is simple - to bring in quality players who will give the manager more options.

"What I see in the long term is help to put together a squad to get this club back into the Champions League."

Newcastle have not been involved in Europe's premier club competition since 2003, when they lost on penalties to Partizan Belgrade in the final qualifying round.