Cologne are to intensify their interest in Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski as competition grows for his signature.
Cologne are to intensify their interest in Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski in the new year as competition grows for his signature.
The Germany international has requested a transfer and is keen on returning to his home-town club, but their first offer earlier this month was rejected out of hand.
After letting the dust settle, Cologne are now preparing to return with an improved bid to lure Podolski home.
"Cologne needs an image and that should be Lukas," explained Cologne's general manager Michael Meier.
"The deal is certainly on the way. Bayern ruined this great story with Lukas and Cologne back then, but now the time has come to move it on."
The greatest stumbling block remains Bayern's demands for the Germany international, who they signed from Cologne for 10 million euros in 2007.
They expect to earn at least as much as that, but Cologne's first offer was reported to be only seven million.
However, Cologne coach Christoph Daum feels his club needs to take a risk in ensuring they do not lose Podolski to a rival club.
"He has many alternatives, but the most important is still Cologne," he told the Cologne Express newspaper.
"That is unique in this day and age. To get such a player, you have got to do absolutely everything."
Bayern have indicated their willingness to sell Podolski next summer but that they would prefer a deal to be done this winter which would enable them to keep hold of the 23-year-old until June.
Despite signing United States striker Landon Donovan, Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann says he does not want to part from a striker and that he needs four forwards in his squad to help with their assault on silverware in 2009.
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