Euro 2008 hot-shot Podolski set for Cologne return

Germany's hot-shot striker Lukas Podolski, one of the stars of Euro 2008, is set to transfer from Bayern Munich to Cologne for 15 million euros (23.5 million US dollars), according to media reports here Wednesday.

Both Sport-Bild and Sport1.de websites claim the 23-year-old, who scored three goals at Euro 2008 for finalists Germany, is set to re-join newly-promoted Cologne, from where he broke into the national team in 2004.

Having joined Bundesliga champions Bayern for 10 million euros (15.7 million US dollars) after the 2006 World Cup, Podolski failed to make his mark in Munich.

He spent most of last season on the bench behind first-choice strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose and was not shy about voicing his frustrations.

Both Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have expressed an interest in signing Podolski, as have Juventus in Italy, but the 54-times capped forward has said he wants to stay in Germany.

“At the European Championships, I showed what I can do,” said Podolski, who started all of Germany's Euro 2008 games in an attacking midfielder role.

And giving the clearest indication of his priorities, he said during last month's tournament: “Everything is possible. I have a contract with Bayern but everyone knows Cologne is a club apart in my eyes.

“Playing is more important for me than titles.”

Both Werder Bremen and VfB Stuttgart signalled an interest in the striker who has 28 goals for Germany, but “Poldi” has never made a secret of his desire to play for Cologne again one day.