Podolski to put in Bayern transfer request

Bayern Munich’s Germany international Lukas Podolski announced Monday he wanted to find a new club in the January transfer window.

“I’ve made my decision, I would like to leave the club this winter,” the unsettled striker told Bild newspaper.

“I’ve already told the directors (at Bayern) that I want to go,” added the 23-year-old.

Podolski’s impact on the national team where he has earned 60 caps and scored 31 goals has not been mirrored at Bayern where he is under contract until 2010.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been made reserve behind first choice attackers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose.

In October he was publically criticised by Bayern manager Uli Hoeness for his performance in a game against Eintracht Frankfurt in October.

Podolski, who played a starring role in finalists Germany’s Euro 2008 campaign scoring three goals, may attract interest from English Premier League sides like Tottenham, who were linked with a move for the player after the Euro.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been linked to the German star who has said his dream move would be back to Cologne from where he broke into the German team.