Becks wanted in the East End and other red-hot gossip

West Ham want David Beckham to see out his playing days at Upton Park. The former Manchester United superstar grew up in the East End of London close to where the Hammers are based. "It's not only a case of what he can do on the pitch but what he does off it - he'd be a sensational ambassador as well,” said West Ham owner David Gold. Elsewhere, Manchester United are hot on the heels of Spanish striker David Villa and are prepared to pay Valencia £35m for him; Arsenal are keeping a close eye on 19-year-old Wigan and Ireland midfielder James McCarthy; Liverpool are prepared to replace Ryan Babel, Albert Riera and Alberto Aquilani with top new players in a bid to keep Fernando Torres at the club; and Chelsea are set to fight it out with Manchester City for 18-year-old Brazilian striker Neymar, who plays for Santos.