FORMER Burnley midfielder Paul Gascoigne is embroiled in a tug-of-clubs after Stockport offered to end his Chinese hell, writes DARREN BENTLEY.

County boss Carlton Palmer has tabled an audacious bid to bring the ex-England ace to Edgeley Park next season after learning the player was "depressed".

However, Gazza's representatives still claim he will return to China in time for the resumption of Gansu Tianma's B-league campaign, which was recently halted as a result of the SARS virus.

Palmer said: "I have spoken to Paul, who is a good friend of mine, and have told him I am interested in bringing him to Stockport.

"I would have no worries and I know he wouldn't let anyone down because he has great presence and would murder the Second Division.

"I've also spoken to our new chief executive about putting a deal together, but there is still a long way to go."

However, Zhang Tongpo, general manager of Tianma, replied: "We were told that Gascoigne has no intention to leave the club and is certain to come back.

"As a world famous star, he is unlikely to breach a contract he has signed."