It sounds like Jann Wenner feels the pressure from Vanity Fair to start snagging super gossipy exclusives with recently dumped celebrities.

After supposedly being promised the cover of Rolling Stone, Nick Lachey agreed to sit down with reporters and dish on his split with Jessica Simpson. It’s pretty pathetic that Rolling Stone is no longer featuring talented artists, but instead the gossip tabloids spill over.

And then when the not so musically talented artists/celebs/reality show stars don’t dish enough, Us Weekly can scrape the covers off RS‘ cutting room floor.

Lachey, an insider said, gave an interview to Rolling Stone about the breakup of his marriage to Jessica Simpson, expecting the cover. “At the end of the day, Rolling Stone said he needed to dish more on Jessica and Joe Simpson,” our source said. “Nick said no . . . in the dark of the night, Jann gave the photos and the interview to Us Weekly.”

“It’s absurd to dangle the cover in front of someone, and if it doesn’t work out, just hand it to another magazine. We will think twice before dealing with Wenner again.” A source added: “The Us Weekly issue [with an oiled-up, shirtless Lachey on the cover] sold really well in Chelsea, but that’s about it. It was the gayest cover in years.”

Yes, it is possible that this was Us Weekly‘s “gayest cover in years,” but for Lachey, he still has that unfortunate Details cover to try and out-gay.

COVER SWITCH ENRAGES NICK [Page Six]

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are politely asking the paparazzi (now called “press”) to stay the fuck away from them.

“We love Africa and to be here in Namibia with our family is very special for us,” the statement said. “To the local people who have been so kind and gracious, thank you for making us feel at home.

“As for the press, we kindly ask for privacy so that we can enjoy this beautiful country with our children.”

And while they pour their money into far-off exotic African locations, this homeless guy in Washington holds a sign that reads, “Brad & Angelina are having a baby and I need money for a gift.” Oooh, we bet they would just love a little rattle that has a paparazzo’s head on a stake.

Pregnant Jolie, Pitt Seek Namibia Privacy [AP]

It’s a good thing she’s gotten so much publicity for that book (ahem) because according to Page Six, Bonnie Fuller may soon be out of a job.

Last Tuesday AMI head David Pecker got rid of Celebrity Living, car-buff mag MPH and the Spanish- language edition of fitness magazine Shape – but the cost-cutting isn’t over. We hear there is “going to be major cost-cutting at Star – every nickel will be watched,” said our spy.

Word is that Star and the National Enquirer may be put on the block soon. Either way, editorial director Bonnie Fuller – despite protestations – may be out of a job anyway. Spies said Pecker has no intention of renewing Fuller’s contract, which is up in two months.

We’re pretty sure the nickles are already watched pretty closely — especially when it comes to feeding the staff and tipping at restaurants. But if Bonnie’s contract is not renewed, where will she go? Who will Star hire?

Word better come soon. Without Star, Us Weekly becomes the dominate party. And with only Life & Style and In Touch running up against it, the mag could rule the tabloid system, meaning Jann Wenner would rule the world.

Bonnie has to be resigned, she just has to. If only to protect the world from its worst nightmare (besides Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes‘ baby) coming true.

HE JUST KEEPS PECKERING AWAY [Page Six]