Gascoigne in action during a Spurs tribute match

Northampton Town have played down reports that former England star Paul Gascoigne could be set to join them.

The 35-year-old is without a professional club after leaving Burnley in the summer and has been linked with Exeter and Darlington already this term.

Andrew Ellis, the prospective new Cobblers chairman, has pledged to do all he can to take Gascoigne to the Sixfields Stadium, possibly even by the weekend.

But such talk appears premature, as any deal depends on the protracted takeover of the club going through before negotiations with Gascoigne can even begin.

A club spokesman said: "Until the takeover is completed, nothing can be done. We are not in a position to sign anyone at the moment.

"If the new owner is saying such things it's up to him. But until the contracts are in place and signed, it's business as usual here."