Cologne snare North Korean Jong

Cologne have signed North Korea international Jong Tae-Se from Bochum for an undisclosed fee.

With Lukas Podolski ruled out for a month, Cologne are short of attacking options and have moved for 27-year-old Jong, who joined Bochum from Kawasaki Frontale in 2010.

Cologne’s sporting director Volker Finke is confident Jong will succeed in the Bundesliga, revealing the club’s long term interest in the Japanese-born striker.

“Jong Tae-Se fits the exact profile that we had sought,” Finke said.

“The player is extremely strong in the air, and has good instincts in front of goal.”

“We have watched the player for a long time and we are convinced of his qualities as a striker.”

Jong was part of North Korea’s 2010 World Cup squad, and has played 28 games for his country, scoring 15 goals.

He claimed 14 goals in 39 league appearances for Bochum.