Poldi set to spark transfer scramble

Germany striker Lukas Podolski is set to spark a January transfer scramble after reportedly setting his sights on a move to the Premier League.

Tottenham, Everton and Mancheseter City are all ready to open their chequebooks to land the unsettled Bayern Munich forward.

The 23-year-old was in terrific form for the national side over the weekend netting the opening goal in the 2-1 success over Russia – taking his international tally to 31 goals in 52 internationals.

But with his form for Bundesliga giants Bayern under scrutiny, the Polish-born star has come under fire from chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Rummenigge said: “I do not understand what he wants. I demand that he is committed to Bayern and does everything he can to help the club. He has a contract until June 2010 – he should focus on that.”

Podolski has not been a regular starter for Bayern this term and has been used mainly as a substitute for Jurgen Klinsmann’s men – a fact which irks the former Cologne frontrunner.

“I can only say that I am fully focused on Bayern. It is a difficult situation for me, but I am clear about that,” said Podolski.

“Sure, I would like to play from the start sometimes. At the moment, I am not concerning myself with anything else.

I don’t think I will make a decision until the winter.”

Podolski, who netted twice in Germany’s 6-0 win over Lichtenstein last month, is all set to leave the German top flight in the January transfer window and Mark Hughes’ City will be short football odds to land the £10million-rated star.

Money is no object to the Eastlands club after the cash injection from the Middle East, but whether Podolski would fancy a move to a club without Champions League football remains to be seen.