Steve McClaren: 'Tottenham Hotspur would be title contenders without Europa'

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur would be Premier League title contenders if they did not have to compete in the Europa League.

The Magpies will face Spurs at White Hart Lane on Sunday, a week after they caused a shock 2-0 win over Liverpool at St James' Park.

Tottenham have emerged as firm contenders for a Champions League spot, but McClaren believes that Mauricio Pochettino could be aiming higher if they did not have the demands of Europa League football.

"We need to follow the Liverpool win up at White Hart Lane," McClaren told reporters. "We need to put in a performance if we are to get anything.

"Spurs are a good team. They have a good squad of players and they play with a very high intensity. If Spurs weren't in the Europa League they would be title contenders."

Newcastle remain in the relegation zone in the top flight because of a worse goal difference than Bournemouth's.