FEARS for the health of North-East football legend Paul Gascoigne were growing today after it was reported that he was in intensive care in America.

The reports in The Sun could not be immediately corroborated, but the claims are being widely circulated.

A source close to the story warned of over-reacting and suggested that although Gascoigne was admitted to hospital, his condition may not be immediately life-threatening.

The Sun, quoting its own source, claimed the former Newcastle and Middlesbrough star's health deteriorated on arrival in the USA, where he was checking in to a rehab centre in Arizona.

The source said: "Gazza’s in a bad way, he’s much worse than he was and desperately needs help."

Former team-mate Gary Lineker said that his friend is 'struggling'.
The Match of the Day presenter wrote on Twitter: 'Gazza is struggling, Let's hope he can hang on in there.'