Gascoigne move is in doubt

Paul Gascoigne's proposed move to play for a club in New Zealand was on the brink of collapse last night.

Ian Elliott, Gascoigne's agent, said yesterday that the 35-year-old former England midfielder had been approached by Auckland Kingz, who play in the Australian Premier League, after a possible move to the Major League soccer club Washington DC United fell through last month.

"It's not a long-term contract, it would only be for two or three games," Elliott said. "It's a beautiful country to visit." However, last night the word from the New Zealand outfit was that the deal was a non-starter.

"We have not signed and are not signing Paul Gascoigne," the club's chief executive, Chris Turner, said.