Cheick Tiote has targeted a top-10 finish in the Premier League with Newcastle United this season, describing the club as being "like a family."

The 27-year-old midfielder, who has made 30 appearances for the Magpies this campaign, has seen the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba leave the club in his four years at St James' Park, while Matthieu Debuchy could be the next player to leave.

However, Tiote says that playing for Alan Pardew's side is an honour thanks to the supporters.

"Newcastle is like a family. I've been here four years and love playing for the club, it's the best thing I have ever done in my career and I hope I continue to give my best for the club," the Ivory Coast international is quoted as saying by The Metro.

"It's the sort of place you like to stay. It's much different to any other club, we know the fans are 200% behind us but sometimes we have bad games. When I stop playing, I will be able to tell my children I played at St James' Park in front of 50,000 in that great atmosphere.

"We need to focus on finishing in the top 10 and we have six games to do that," he added. "It's hard because we are not fighting for a European place and we are not fighting for our lives."

Newcastle are currently ninth in the league table.