Cheick Tiote has refused to rule out the possibility of Newcastle United qualifying for the Champions League this season.

Alan Pardew's side are five points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur but Tiote believes that there is no reason why they can't catch the North London club.

The 25-year-old said: "The first target is obviously the Europa League, but why shouldn't we be thinking about the Champions League as well? Who knows, it could happen.

"Getting into Europe is the biggest thing for us now and it is very important for us as players and for Newcastle as a club.

"If we qualify for Europe, I will look back on this season as one of the best in my career."

The Magpies are currently sixth in the Premier League following Sunday's 2-0 win over Liverpool.