ON-LOAN Newcastle United defender Sylvain Distin is chasing a double goal - a permanent move to Tyneside and a return to the Champions' League.

Distin is desperate to play again in Europe's elite competition after tasting the big-time with Paris St. Germain last term.

The Frenchman played for his club against Deportivo La Coruna, AC Milan and Galatasaray in the same side as Magpies winger Laurent Robert.

Bobby Robson's Newcastle are back in fourth place in the Premiership as they attempt to fight off Chelsea and Leeds to clinch a Champions' League spot.

And Distin, who arrived from PSG seven months ago, is with them all the way as he looks to cement his future.

"Europe is in view and we are going to fight until the end of the season,'' said Distin, who has operated in central defence and at left-back.

"We are going to fight to the end of the season. We cannot afford to relax. If you do that and think things are easy, you are in trouble.

"I played in the Champions' League last season for PSG and would love to do the same with Newcastle next season.

"But I still don't know if I will be staying long-term. I think I have played well, although I am never satisfied because I am always trying to improve.

"But whether I stay or go, I want to help the team into the Champions' League next season.''

Meanwhile, former Newcastle defender Warren Barton has promised his old club no favours when they visit relegation-threatened Derby on Saturday.

The second-bottom Rams look destined for the drop, but right-back Barton, who moved to Pride Park in February in a £250,000 deal and was quickly joined by teammate Robert Lee, is refusing to give up the fight for Premiership survival.

Barton said: "Obviously this is going to be a special game for Rob and I.

"Newcastle will always have a special place in our hearts and we would love them to finish in the top four and go through to the Champions' League - but not at our expense.

"Even if they don't get into the Champions' League, they should still make Europe and they've taken a big leap forward from last season.

"I just hope we will be going back to Newcastle with Derby next season.'

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