Gazza's agent insists Kingz made offer

Paul Gascoigne's agent is adamant that the Football Kingz have offered the midfielder a deal despite the New Zealand club insisting they have not been in contact.

Agent Ian Elliott is quoted in the New Zealand Herald as saying: "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'."

The Kingz, New Zealand's only professional football club, play in the Australian National Soccer League (NSL) campaign.

But the Auckland club's chief executive Chris Turner had earlier told the Herald: "We have not signed, and are not signing Paul Gascoigne."

Turner claimed 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.

He added that there was no way the Kingz could afford to hire a high-profile player like Gascoigne - even on a short-term contract.

But 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," he said.

"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."

And Elliott told the Kingz bosses: "Get on the phone and let's get this thing moving if you want to do it."

Gazza turned down an offer to play with Ryman League club Carshalton Athletic last week after being released by Burnley at the end of last season.

The midfielder hopes to play for DC United in the MLS next season and is looking to keep match-fit before a move to America.