Soccer: Kingz chased Gascoigne, says agent

9.00am

Paul Gascoigne's agent says the Football Kingz have chased his services and the former England soccer star is ready to travel to New Zealand.

The Kingz last night flatly denied they were set to sign the former England star for their Australian National Soccer League (NSL) campaign.

But Gascoigne's agent Ian Elliott said they were awaiting the Kingz to give them the nod to play in "three or four" NSL matches later this year.

"We got a fax from the club in New Zealand, we waited, and over the last seven days we've said 'now he's ready and he wants to come over and play the games'," Elliott told National Radio this morning.

Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper yesterday reported the flamboyant midfielder, 35, had accepted a temporary deal with the Kingz in a bid to regain his fitness for his proposed move to American side DC United in January.

But Kingz chief executive Chris Turner was adamant there was nothing to the story.

"We have not signed, and are not signing Paul Gascoigne," he told the Herald.

Turner said the club was offered a "so-called superstar" two months ago to make some guest appearances but would not say whether that player was Gascoigne.

Turner said there was no way the club could afford to hire a high-profile player like Gascoigne by itself, for even a short-term contract.

Elliott said the Kingz approached him through an English contact in New Zealand who said the club was interested in having Gascoigne for three or four games.

"He's certainly interested in it and he's quite looking forward to it, if it comes off.

"We've got the parameters of the offer, but we were told they now wanted to wait six weeks which probably wouldn't be any good for us.

"He could probably get out there as early as next week."

Elliott had a clear message for the Kingz club.

"Get on the phone and let's get this thing moving if you want to do it."

Elliott said the move would fit in perfectly for Gascoigne, who last Friday turned down an offer to play with lower league English club Carshalton for three months, reportedly in favour of playing in the NSL.

He has been without a club since the end of last season when he left English first division side Burnley.

One of the top attacking midfield players of the last decade, Gascoigne was plagued by off-field problems including ill-discipline and heavy drinking.

Elliott said Gascoigne, whose fitness has often been questioned, was in good shape.

"He's in good condition, he looks well, he's quite fit, but there's no substitute for playing games."

- NZPA