GEORDIE soccer legend Paul Gascoigne has revealed he is interested in playing out his career at lowly Darlington.

The 34-year-old former England star admitted to being a fan of the Third Division Quakers, and said he would not rule out a sensational return to his native North-East once his contract at Premier League Everton is up.

But Darlington FC last night dismissed speculation linking Gazza with the club as "utter rubbish". Rumours have continued to circulate that the Dunston-born midfielder, whose contract on Merseyside runs out in the summer, is said to have received a £2m-a-year offer from Darlington chairman George Reynolds.

And the 34-year-old, whose full interview with Paul "Goffy" Gough will be broadcast this morning on Century Radio, says: "It was really nice. The money he is offering is frightening, if what the papers said was true.

"I have met him (Reynolds) once. He is a great character. What he has done for Darlington is unbelievable.

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

"At the end of the season I will sit down with the gaffer and look at options, but I wouldn't rule that out for a year."

But Darlington's director of PR, Luke Raine, was quick to stress that the Feethams club are not lining up any offer for the former Newcastle United and Middlesbrough star.

"It's absolute nonsense and we can't understand where the stories are emanating from," said Raine.

"Darlington are not in a position whereby we can compete with the figures being talked about. We are a Third Division club.

"Gazza is a great player and of course we would be interested, but not while we are in the Third Division."