Gascoigne heads to Burnley

Former English international Paul Gascoigne has left Everton FC for first division Burnley FC.

Short-term move
The 34-year-old midfielder - regarded by many as the most gifted English player of his generation - has agreed to join the promotion-chasing Lancashire side until the end of the season after the departure of Everton manager Walter Smith earlier this week.

A move abroad
Gascoigne, who played under Smith at Rangers FC after returning from a spell in Serie A with S.S. Lazio, will be out of contract at Everton in the summer and was widely rumoured to be considering moving abroad to end his career after refusing earlier offers from Burnley and Bristol City FC.

Debut against Bradford
The former Newcastle United FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC and Middlesbrough FC player is now expected to play his first game for Burnley against Bradford City FC on Wednesday after missing the signing deadline to play in Sunday's Preston North End FC - whose manager David Moyes replaced Smith at Everton on Thursday.

Loyalty to Smith
"We've just missed the deadline but he will be at the match - and he'll be playing for us at Bradford on Wednesday evening," said Burnley chairman Barry Kilby. "We were making enquiries for him earlier but he was very loyal to Walter Smith. However, when he left Everton there was chink of light for us. The deal is to the end of the season then we'll sit down and discuss the future."