No way out for unhappy Podolski, says Bayern boss

Bayern Munich have warned off the clubs reportedly hoping to lure want-away Germany star Lukas Podolski, claiming the striker is not for sale.

The 23-year-old has scored 31 goals in 59 games for Germany but continues to find no favour with the Bavarian giants, who have made him their reserve behind first-choice strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose.

Since the start of the season Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all been linked to Podolski, who has said his dream move would be back to Cologne from where he broke into the Germany team.

But club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is digging his heels in.

He said Tuesday Bayern have received no offers for Podolski, and that the German would see out his contract which runs till 2010.

“We are not concerned with this topic,” insisted Rummenigge.

“Lukas has a contract with us until 2010 and we will stick to that.”

With Toni suffering from a rib injury, Podolski is likely to play some part in Wednesday night's Champions League game at Fiorentina, but he has made no secret of his unhappiness and desire to leave.

After Bayern's French star Franck Ribery orchestrated Saturday's 3-1 win over Bielefeld, Podolski said he is weighing up his options.

But Rummenigge believes he should let his football do the talking.

“It is generally good for him to think over his future,” said Rummenigge.

“But the player is also requested to think about his performances.

“My advice to him is: play well, score goals.”

Since moving to Bayern from Cologne after the 2006 World Cup, Podolski has struggled to make his mark at the German giants.

Even with Toni out injured, Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann kept Podolski on the bench for last Saturday's win over Bielefeld and the striker came off the bench to convert a second-half penalty.

Klinsmann has used Podolski in every game so far this season mostly from the bench and Rummenigge is at a loss to understand his unhappiness with the situation.

“He is playing regularly, half a game is better than nothing!”