GAZZA EYES JAPAN AND DARLINGTON

Just days after claiming he was looking to bring the curtain down on his career overseas, the Everton midfielder insists he would be happy to stay in England and help his local team.

Quakers chairman George Reynolds knows Gascoigne would be a major attraction, and a summer, Bosman move has not been ruled out by the former Lazio man.

Gascoigne said: "The money he is offering is frightening if what the papers say is true. I have met Mr Reynolds once and he is a great character.

"What he has done is unbelievable. He has put his money where his mouth is and built a nice stadium.

"It's something that is in my mind, running out in front of Darlington fans. I used to watch them when I was younger.

"I will sit down at the end of the season and look at my options but I wouldn't rule it out for a year."

The Geordie also hopes a sustained run in the Everton team can catch the eyes of England coach Sven Goran Eriksson before he picks his squad for Japan and Korea.

Gascoigne points out that the Swede is not averse to calling on veterans, adding: "Every single time I've played for England I've never let them down and it would be a great feeling to do it again.

"There is still hope. Teddy Sheringham and David Seaman are older than me and they are in there. I`m sure I could do a job if called upon.

"It's a nice challenge for me but the main objective is to get in this Everton team and stay there and I'm never going to get selected for England if I don't do my job for Everton."