Gascoigne did not report for duty on 10 June FA stays out of Gazza dispute

The former England midfielder, who failed to report for duty at current club Gansu Tianma in June, would love to return to his hometown club.

And he approached Magpies manager Robson about a return to the club he left in 1989.

"I really meant it," Gascoigne, 36, told the Sun newspaper.

"I get on great with Bobby and I would have loved to play for Newcastle again.

"Yet you could see he was looking to sign some big, younger names and get the team challenging for the title.

When I look at some of the players in the Premiership, I know I can do a job Paul Gascoigne

"I think he thought I was still daft as a brush when I said it.

"Maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part. Yet I would have jumped at it if he had said 'yes'."

Although Gascoigne knows that his dream is unlikely to become a reality, he believes he can still perform in the English top flight.

"I'm 36 now, but still feel I can do a job in the Premiership. When I look at some of the players in it, I know I can," he said.

"Newcastle will always be my club. It was where I was born and started. I love the fans and all that the place stands for.

"Even though I will never get the chance to play for them in a proper game, I am determined I will pull on that black and white shirt again."