Arsenal ‘must fend off Spurs’ to score Tasci

Arsenal are said to be in talks with Stuttgart defender Serdar Tasci, though the Sun claims they face stiff opposition from Juventus and London rivals Tottenham. The Gunners were first linked with the 23-year-old Tasci, a member of the German World Cup squad that finished third in the recent tournament, a month ago but now that interest has increased with the Premier League just round the corner. The paper says that the 6ft 1in Tasci has an £18.5 million buy-out clause in his contract with the Bundesliga club and quotes his agent, Uli Ferber, as saying: "Serdar admires English football and has huge respect for Arsenal."

Someone else who has come clean about his respect for the Gunners is Cesc Fabregas, skipper, talisman and midfielder, who has been the centre of a tug-of-war between Arsenal and Barcelona for several months. In an interview with the aptly-named Spanish magazine DIR Emotions, the 23-year-old certainly does emote in spectacular style, saying: "I am from Barcelona. I am a club member, along with my grandfather, my uncle and my cousin. I feel those colours and have since I was young...however, I am Arsenal's captain. I am a Gunner and that is where I have made myself as a player and matured as a person."

And as for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Fabregas had this to say: "He is a second father to me, the most important person in my life after my father. He has been very supportive of me and has treated my like a son...he does not want me to leave. My last conversation with him in London was one of the most difficult moments I have had to live. I am left very touched." Yet asked if he was going to do the dirty on Wenger and betray him for Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, Fabregas couldn't say: "I want to continue fighting for every title, especially the Champions League, because I am a winner."

Winning is not something David Beckham knows much about, at least not with England or every club he's played for since leaving Manchester United, but at least the ageing midfielder has had the good sense to turn down West Ham's offer of a job. The 35-year-old has said thanks but not thanks to the chance of swapping Los Angeles Galaxy for the Hammers with one of Beckham's minions telling the Press Association: "Whilst it's flattering to hear of interest there has been no contact with or offer from West Ham. David is happy at the Los Angeles Galaxy and has no interest in leaving."

But one of Beckham's LA Galaxy teammates appears to be champing at the bit for a taste of Premier League action. Landon Donovan admits to the Daily Mirror that he would love a move to Everton, the club for whom he enjoyed a successful loan period last season. Apparently Toffees' boss David Moyes wants to sign the 28-year-old who can play up front or in midfield and Donovan hopes that happens before too long: "I would love to go back to Everton," he says, adding: "I think there's still a lot of time in the transfer window so we'll see what moves are made and if it's serious then we'll treat it seriously. Anything is possible."

Finally, the Sun reports that Ajax have told Chelsea that if they want their full-back Gregory van der Wiel, a member of the Dutch side that reached the final of the World Cup, they must pay them £20m. The Blues are said to be interested in signing the 22-year-old van der Wiel, interest that was heightened after a proposed move to Bayern Munich fell through earlier this month. ·