The Cottagers had an amazing campaign by finishing seventh to qualify for Europe just a year after avoiding relegation on the final day.

And after Sunderland narrowly escaped the drop by two points, Ferdinand is aiming high with new manager Steve Bruce at the helm.

He said: "It depends what players the manager buys. That's going to be a key factor. If we buy right, there's every chance of fighting for Europe.

"If Fulham can do it, we can. It's not unrealistic to do it next season. We've got this season out of the way, now it's time to relax and prepare for next year.

"There is great potential here, it's a massive club and it's even bigger now we're the only North East club in the big time. But we've got to make sure we're not in the situation we were in this year next year. Hopefully that won't happen."