"The situation is that Paul is in hospital and he has got pneumonia," Alex Armitage told the Press Association.

"That is about it really, it is no big deal. He has pneumonia, which makes you feel awful, but he does not have a collapsed lung, he does not have excess fluid on his lungs and he does not have three heads.

"The doctors say he will be able to leave hospital by the middle of the week. It's pneumonia, not black-water malaria!"

Gascoigne was admitted to Princess Grace Hospital in London several days ago after complaining of feeling unwell.

The report came the day after speculation that the former England midfielder had applied for a coaching job in Australia's newly-formed A-league.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph reported that Gazza had put his hand up to be coach of the Newcastle Jets.

Gascoigne announced earlier this year he wanted to be known as G8 in a bid to distance himself from his reputation as an alcoholic hellraiser who had squandered his talent.

He also quit as player-coach at League Two side Boston saying he intended to study for a coaching qualification.

Gascoigne enjoyed a colourful career with Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers and played 57 times for England.

He had a brief stint as a player-coach in China before a failed attempt at reviving his player career in England with Wolves.