Transfer Talk: Barcelona players target Fabregas

Barcelona's pursuit of Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas took a fresh twist yesterday as some of the Spanish club's players spoke out of their desire to sign the midfielder – on the Catalan club's own television station. Arsène Wenger, already angered by Barça's interest in his captain, will be unimpressed at the likes of World Cup-winner Andres Iniesta speaking out on the subject.

Iniesta said: "We all want Cesc to come because he will help us to go up a level – he's very complete. However, he belongs to Arsenal and the two clubs must understand each other [in order for a deal to be done]. He will be very happy here – Barcelona's style of play is very well suited to him."

Arsenal's neighbours, Tottenham, are on the lookout for forward reinforcements but had their hopes of bringing Dutchman Klass-Jan Huntelaar to White Hart Lane hampered by the player's agent. "He is happy at Milan and they are happy with him," Arnold Oosterveer said. "The Rossoneri want to keep him, and he wants to stay."

Meanwhile, the Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar believes the club would be able to overcome the loss of James Milner, should the England midfielder decide to move to Manchester City. "He is top class, one of the best in the league and we need him," Cuellar said. "[But] if he is going to leave, we will replace him with another good player."

The Bolton Wanderers manager, Owen Coyle, remains keen on re-signing forward Ivan Klasnic, who scored eight goals on loan at the Reebok Stadium last season. The striker's contract at French club Nantes has been cancelled. "Ivan is a great lad who's well liked in my dressing room," Coyle said. "If we can find a way to bring him back to the club, I'd love it."

Fulham seek Santa Cruz firepower

As Mark Hughes was unveiled at Craven Cottage yesterday, one of his first priorities remains bringing Fulham's summer-long search for a striker to a hasty conclusion.

One name that has been mentioned more often than most has been Roque Santa Cruz, surplus to requirements at Manchester City after scoring only four goals last season. The Paraguayan is likely to cost around £9m should Hughes opt to link up again with the forward.

"I think it's fair to say that we need more attacking options," Hughes said. "We'll look at that and I think what everybody knows is quality strikers are at a premium."

Tottenham, also on the lookout for forward reinforcements had their hopes of bringing Dutchman Klass-Jan Huntelaar to White Hart Lane hampered by the player's agent. "He is happy at Milan and they are happy with him," Arnold Oosterveer said. "The Rossoneri want to keep him, and he wants to stay."

Meanwhile, the Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar believes the club would be able to overcome the loss of James Milner, should the England midfielder decide to move to Manchester City.

"He is top class, one of the best in the Premier League and we need him," Cuellar said. "[But] if he is going to leave, we will replace him with another good player."

The Bolton Wanderers manager, Owen Coyle, remains keen on re-signing forward Ivan Klasnic, who scored eight goals on loan at the Reebok Stadium last season. The striker's contract at French club Nantes has been cancelled. "Ivan is a great lad who's well liked in my dressing room," Coyle said. "If we can find a way to bring him back to the club, I'd love it."

West Ham United

The club have completed the signing of Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim on a loan deal. The 28-year-old becomes the Hammers' fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera and Frédéric Piquionne.

Leeds United

Manager Simon Grayson says he is "delighted" to have re-signed Arsenal striker Sanchez Watt on loan. "He's a player who has plenty to offer," Grayson said of the 19-year-old. "His arrival will only increase competition for places."

Crystal Palace

The Eagles have signed midfielder Owen Garvan from Ipswich for an undisclosed fee. "I'm delighted to have signed," the 22-year-old Irishman said of his move to Selhurst Park. "Hopefully everything goes well for myself and the club."