By Andrew McKenzie BBC Sport Online

It sounds like a script for the next series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

Paul Gascoigne could be heading across the Atlantic to Washington DC to join up with fellow Geordie Ray Hudson.

Hudson is the coach of Washington Major League Soccer side DC United - and believes Gazza can help save his struggling outfit.

The 35-year-old ex-England star is mulling over a couple of options after deciding not to extend his stay at First Division Burnley.

And there is a feeling he is keen on chasing the American dream.

Like Gazza, Hudson originates from Dunston in Gateshead and is a former next-door-neighbour of the player's best mate, Jimmy 'five bellies' Gardner.

Things can only get better.

Hudson is one of the colourful characters in the MLS

Hudson, who played for Newcastle in the 1970s, has become a legendary figure among soccer nuts in the US because of his enthusiasm for the game and his habit of kissing referees.

A 15-year career Stateside, where he captained the world-renowned Fort Lauderdale Strikers, saw him come up against the likes of Pele, Johan Cruyff and George Best

At least he'll know all about coping with players who enjoy a tipple.

After retiring, Hudson became an analyst on US television and despite most people struggling to understand his strong Geordie accent he became a popular figure. Sound familiar?

Other members of the unlikely storyline at DC United include Bolivian striker Jaime Moreno, who may act as interpreter having spent some time at Middlesbrough.

Moreno's strike partner Santino Quaranta sounds like he should have been a movie director, while Brandon Prideaux would surely be more at home in a cheese sandwich.

Gazza will love the views from the top of the Washington Monument

If he decides to make the brave move, fun-loving Gazza will have to get used to not being the centre of attention.

Not only is soccer generally overlooked in the US of A, but the loveable lout would be joining a city with some huge stars already.

He will have to battle for the spotlight in DC with basketball legend Michael Jordan and ice hockey superstar Jaromir Jagr.

But the former Spurs, Lazio and Rangers wild child is sure to feel at home in the nation's capital.

The picturesque views of the Potomac River will bring back memories of his beloved Tyne, while Newcastle Brown Ale is served on tap at many of DC's bars.

Hot dog vans are never far away around Washington's famous Mall area where the White House, Washington Monument and Capitol Building attract floods of camera-wielding tourists.

The much-heralded drama series The West Wing will also fill the void until Byker Grove finally makes its overdue debut on US television.

Plastic breasts

Perhaps Gazza could be the person to ignite the passion for soccer in the land of the free.

Americans love to see their sports stars show their emotions, and re-runs of his tears in 1990 and his on-camera burp are sure to get the Yanks fired up for football.

The plastic breasts may not go down as well though.

But if the player ever needs any advice on life in DC, he can always turn to America's very own daft-as-a-brush character.

Gazza, we give you George W. Bush.