German international striker Lukas Podolski will return this summer to former club Cologne from Bayern Munich, where he has had an unhappy time since joining in 2006, a Cologne official said Sunday. "A quick decision needs to be taken in everyone's interest and should arrive in the coming week," Cologne general manager Michael Meyer said.
"Our positions have come closer," he added in allusion to Cologne wanting to pay 7.5 million euros for a player they sold for 10 million. The midtable side are now offering to pay 7.5 million and also the receipts from one or more friendly match with Bayern, which Meyer said was "one solution."
According to German media reports, Podolski, who has scored 31 times in 60 appearances for the national side, is to sign a pre-contract with Cologne allowing him the right to talk to other clubs should the side be relegated.