GILLINGHAM’S interest in signing Paul Gascoigne is likely to end this week after player-manager Andy Hessenthaler confessed the former England midfielder was considering other options.

Division 2 side Blackpool are the latest club to express an interest in the 35-year-old. Hessenthaler said: “The chairman (Paul Scally) has spoken to Paul’s people and it's out of my hands.

"But I think Paul has other options and until his advisors get back to us it's pretty much dead." “But if we keep playing the way we have for the past two games, then maybe we don't need him. Our interest in Paul was slightly tongue in cheek.”

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler has confirmed the club are pursuing their interest in Ipswich centre-back Wayne Brown who has been made available by new boss Joe Royle.

Mr Scally is hoping to reach an agreement with Ipswich opposite number David Sheepshanks over Brown’s wages. "We've put an offer to the lad who also has other options,” Hessenthaler added.