NEWCASTLE UNITED'S players have already started their summer break but when Massadio Haidara returns to Tyneside he thinks a top six finish is the only way to erase the memory of such a depressing campaign.

Despite a feeling of satisfaction for staying in the Premier League during the final fortnight of the season, it is impossible to gloss over the fact the Magpies only narrowly avoided relegation 12 months after finishing fifth.

Manager Alan Pardew is holding talks with the club's owner Mike Ashley this week when both are expected to express how they feel a repeat should be avoided.

Pardew is "100 per cent" convinced he will be retained in his position after signing his eight-year contract earlier in the season, but he is keen to see a move away from a recruitment policy of purely buying players with a re-sale value.

He believes a squad filled with promising young players, such as Haidara following his January move from Nancy, should be complemented with a few more experienced heads.

Ashley is likely to hear that as part of an explanation for Newcastle's decline, along with his assertion that the squad did not have enough depth to cope with the added strains a Europa League push put on the group until it was too late.

With no European football on the cards next season, Newcastle will be able to concentrate purely on domestic issues and it is hoped there will be a return to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Haidara, 20, was one of five new French recruits during January which should help and he is satisfied challenging for a European spot will be achieved immediately after spending the last five months fighting to stay in the top-flight.

"We have not had a team meeting to set out the objectives for next season yet but my own personal hope for the team is the top six," said Haidara. "I think we have the qualities to do that and I know many of the other players feel the same. Obviously we will sit down in the summer to discuss what our aims and hopes are but we should be aiming for that, in my opinion. We are a big enough club to be fighting for a top six place and Europa League."

Newcastle's players went on a lap of appreciation around St James' Park to say thank you to the fans for sticking by them through a difficult year after the Arsenal defeat on Sunday and have not been back to the training ground for a meeting.

Pardew was keen to draw a line under the whole campaign by allowing them to head straight off on their summer break, while he concentrates on ways of improving the team.

Haidara's performances at left-back before the 6-0 defeat to Liverpool provided plenty of encouragement and the young Frenchman is confident things will only get better.

He said: "It's been an excellent start for me. The end of the season hasn't been that great, I have picked up a few knocks here and there but overall if I look back it's been a really fantastic experience for me.

"My settling in process has gone from good to even better to be honest and hopefully next season I can step up and really push on.

"I will head back to France this summer, see my family and friends. I want to look after myself and rest up to make sure I get up to top form. After a break I want to come back very strong."

Depending on what happens regarding Fabricio Coloccini's future, Newcastle at least look relatively strong defensively if he stays, which is why full-back Danny Simpson has been allowed to depart.

Simpson, 26, had been a crucial member of the Newcastle team since his arrival in August 2009 until Mathieu Debuchy's arrival in January from Lille.

But the Salford-born full-back is moving on and is interesting a number of clubs, including Hull City following their promotion from the Championship.

Pardew is also expecting a challenge to keep hold of Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa, with a growing list of Champions League qualifiers keen on them both.