PAUL Gascoigne could be about to make a dramatic return to English football - with Second Division Stockport County.

Gazza is currently plying his trade in China, with Gansu Tianma and last month checked into an Arizona clinic to try and combat depression.

That bout of anxiety was brought on by being on the other side of the world and best pal and advisor Jimmy Gardner said: "He's depressed. It's his head. He shouldn't be there (China). He should be playing in this country given what he has done. ''

Now his former England teammate Palmer is about to offer him the chance to return to his homeland next season.

Gazza signed a one-year deal with his club in January, but Palmer has sounded out the mercurial midfielder's agents and advisors about a move ahead of pre-season training next month - and Gazza would have a head start on his new teammates after playing in the Chinese Second Division.

Palmer struck up a friendship with Gazza while both were on international duty with England.