ALAN Pardew has emerged from his end-of-season debrief with Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias with his position as Newcastle United manager strengthened.

Despite persistent speculation that his position as Newcastle boss was under threat, there was never any serious likelihood of Ashley removing Pardew from his post.

Indeed, sources close to this week's talks insist Pardew's position was barely even discussed, such was the desire to draw a line under last season and formulate a shared plan for the future.

Instead, the talks focused on how best to remould a squad that underachieved significantly last season as the Magpies finished just two places above the relegation zone.

"Everyone connected with the club was disappointed to finish where we did last season, particularly on the back of such a fantastic year prior to that," said Llambias.

"Our discussions on Wednesday were very constructive and we pinpointed a number of factors that contributed to a season which fell below expectations.

"We are now looking forward and are entirely focused on the forthcoming campaign, with the expectation of at least a top-ten finish in the Premier League.

"There has been a great deal of speculation in recent weeks but our desire, as we announced back in September, is to bring long-term stability to this club. It's up to us all now to work closely as a team to ensure next season sees us competing in the top half of the table again."

Pardew, Ashley and Llambias share a strong determination to hold on to Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini, despite the defender's continued desire to return to his native Argentina.

Coloccini, who is back in his homeland on a summer break, continues to target a permanent switch to South America, despite Newcastle officials rejecting his pleas in January.

However, it is telling that Coloccini did not schedule an end-of-season meeting to discuss his position, and given that he remains contracted to the Magpies, it is anticipated that he will return for the start of pre-season training in July as usual.

Further talks over his future are anticipated at that stage, but Pardew is keen to hold on to his most influential defender, and Ashley is understood to have pledged to support his manager's stance.

San Lorenzo president Matias Lammens has once again reiterated his club's desire to sign Coloccini, who cost Newcastle £10m when he was signed from Deportivo La Coruna, but it remains hard to see how the Argentinian side could fund the purchase of the 31-year-old.

"I have the intention of having a meeting with Fabricio and talking about the conditions of his arrival to San Lorenzo," said Lammens.

"We understand that Newcastle don't have too much interest in the summer other than keeping Coloccini in their squad.

"But they have managed to escape from the relegation zone, so they will now think about what is best for the player - that need to go back home."

As well as holding on to Coloccini, Pardew is determined to make significant reinforcements this summer, and there is a shared acceptance among the whole Newcastle hierarchy that changes are required if a repeat of last season's struggles is to be avoided.

Newcastle paid a heavy price for failing to adequately strengthen their ranks last summer, and Ashley is determined not to make the same mistake again.

That does not mean tearing up the blueprint that has evolved in the last few years, but it could lead to a slight relaxing of the criteria that has previously dictated Graham Carr's scouting policy.

Pardew is particularly keen to add some Premier League experience to his squad, and it would be no surprise to see Newcastle target a handful of slightly older players this summer.

A new striker remains the priority, and while the club has shelved its interest in Andy Carroll, other names have already been discussed.

West Ham's willingness to make a £15m offer for Carroll's services immediately put Newcastle on the back foot as they are not prepared to match a fee that Liverpool now regard as a bare minimum.

Things could change if Carroll opts to reject a permanent move to Upton Park, but sources in London claim the striker's antipathy towards a full-time switch to the Hammers reduced markedly towards the end of his loan spell.

For now, Newcastle will push on with their summer plans without Carroll being a factor.

St Etienne's Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng remains a leading attacking target, although his burgeoning reputation in Ligue 1 means he would hardly represent a cut-price alternative.

Newcastle have also been monitoring Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfied Bony, and are interested in attacking midfielder Andreas Weimann, who is about to enter the final year of his current deal at Aston Villa and has so far been unable to agree improved terms.