THE end of Walter Smith's reign as Everton manager has opened the door for England legend Paul Gascoigne to come to Turf Moor.

And Clarets chairman Barry Kilby confirmed this morning: "We will be renewing our interest in the light of the developments at Goodison and I think the manager's departure probably increases our chances."

Kilby admitted last week that the Clarets enquired about Gascoigne's availability last week but were told by Smith that he would not be leaving Goodison before the end of the season but the player has since admitted that if the manager who signed him left, so would he.

A number of clubs have expressed an interest but Stan Ternent's promotion chasing side is thought to head the queue.

Two years ago Gazza's former England colleague Ian Wright was a shock spring signing and Ternent would love to pull off another coup.

Smith was sacked after nearly four years as manager with Sunday's 3-0 FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough.

Just four days before the massive Lancashire derby between the Clarets and Preston, North End boss is the number one name in the frame to replace Smith as Everton boss.

The problem for the Clarets may be that any departure of such a high profile player might have to wait until the new manager has been installed.

Gascoigne has expressed his desire to play regular first team football at this late stage of his career and his close relationship with Smith, who signed him at both Everton and Rangers, was behind his comment that he would quit if his boss was sacked.

It was rumoured that Gazza had Burnley watched against Stockport County at the weekend and Wright admitted last week that he would have no hesitation in recommending that his former international team mate should join Ternent's team.

Already this week the manager has added Nottingham Forest striker David Johnson to his squad ahead of Sunday evening's big game.

Last night fellow promotion chasers Birmingham City won 3-1 at Bradford City to cut sixth placed Burnley's cushion over seventh spot to just four points.

There are eight games to go before the play-off positions are finally decided and any potential involvement for Gazza may be clearer this time tomorrow.