Motherwell yesterday

admitted they had been ready to invite Paul Gascoigne to make a surprise switch to Fir Park, before it became clear he was staying at Middlesbrough.

The club are understood to have approached Gascoigne's advisor, Mel Stein, when reports were circulating that 'Boro had released the England midfielder on a free transfer. However, Stein told them that Gascoigne, who has a year of his contract remaining, will

be staying at the club for the foreseeable future.

Motherwell chief executive Pat Nevin said: ''I know we made an enquiry about Paul Gascoigne through his advisor, Mel Stein, to see about the situation.

''As a club, Motherwell have made great strides and it was a realistic move.''

Motherwell chairman John Boyle is determined to make Motherwell the third force in Scottish football, behind the

Old Firm, and is keen to

broaden their support within Lanarkshire.