Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has called on midfielder Moussa Sissoko to improve on his levels of consistency this season.

The France international had been close to exploring other options over the summer in a bid to play Champions League football, but the 26-year-old is thought to have decided to remain at the club following positive talks with McClaren.

"He's obviously very ambitious and that's great, but, like everybody else who is ambitious, I'm sorry but you have to perform every week to a certain standard and he knows that," said McClaren, according to the Daily Star.

"I've had lots of chats with him and he seems to be committed. But in terms of performance, I'm sure he admits himself he could do better.

"His work for the team, his stats and his running, all that high intensity, is more than he was doing last season."

Newcastle currently hold 19th spot in the Premier League standings, having collected just three points from seven games this campaign.