Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has insisted that he is "realistic" over what his side can achieve in the Premier League this season.

The Swans have been tipped to break into the top six after several summer signings, but Laudrup has attempted to cool expectation by hinting that he would be happy to finish in eighth position.

The 49-year-old told the South Wales Evening Post: "I have not heard people saying that will be relegated this year, but I have heard some reports saying that our team can go a lot further than last season.

"It is easy to talk but, while I like to be positive, I also like even more to be realistic. You have to look who we are up against. We can beat anybody on one day, but over 38 games in the Premier League, it is a different story.

"People say that we can finish sixth, but last season, Liverpool were seventh and they had 15 points more than us. Can we get 15 more points this year? I don't think so."

Laudrup's side host Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on the opening day of the Premier League season.