Football: Gascoigne move denied

LAZIO last night denied reports that Newcastle United had made an approach for Paul Gascoigne. Italian newspapers reported yesterday that Newcastle had enquired about Gascoigne's fitness and availability, but a Lazio spokesman said: 'We have seen the stories and there is no truth in them. Paul also saw them and we have had a laugh together about it. All we are concerned with is getting Paul fit again.'

John McClelland, the former Watford, Rangers and Leeds United defender, resigned yesterday as player-manager of St Johnstone after less than a year in charge. Airdrie's Alex McDonald is favourite to take the post.

Tony Mowbray's move from Celtic has fallen through after Lennie Lawrence, the Middlesbrough manager, said he could not commit himself to a deal which was not financially right for his club.

David Kohler yesterday accepted in principle an pounds 800,000 bid for the 52 per cent of Luton Town which he controls from a consortium headed by the former Fulham striker, John Mitchell.

Andy King, the former Luton and Everton player, is the new manager of Mansfield Town.