Sven Botman believes Newcastle United could qualify for European football next season if 'everything goes right'. However, the summer signing feels a top-ten finish for Eddie Howe's side this term is a 'realistic target'.
Botman has been in and out of the starting eleven since his arrival from Lille in July, but has consistently impressed with his performances. The 22-year-old has already earned a 'Rolls Royce' moniker from supporters, and has played his part in the Magpies' fine start to the season.
Newcastle currently occupy a top-six spot and have lost just once all season, prompting talk as to whether Howe's side could qualify for Europe. The former Ajax prospect has refused to rule out the possibility, although he feels improving on last season's 11th-placed finish is the immediate aim.
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Botman told NUFC TV: "I think top-ten is a good, realistic target for us. We definitely want to achieve that, and if everything goes right and we are winning, maybe it's possible. We start from here, and we'll see what happens."
Botman was interviewed alongside Sean Longstaff ahead of Newcastle's home clash with Everton on Wednesday night. The academy graduate echoed his new team-mate's message, but outlined his hope the Magpies could yet surprise some of the division's leading sides.
Longstaff said: "It's about building on last year. We can't get too ahead of ourselves. It sounds so boring but it's the truth, it's taking one game at a time and trying to accumulate as many points as we can.
"If we can break into the top ten, it's building on last year. Everyone wants to get really excited and as players we're the same, we want to finish as high as we can. But I think you've also got to be realistic in terms of what we can do.
"We've got a really good team, and as long as we can keep adding to it over time, there's no doubt that we can get to where the owners and where everyone wants us to get. Everyone plays a part in how we get there, and this season is about building on from last year. Hopefully we can maybe sneak up on some teams, and you never know what can happen."
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