Podolski seeks Bayern exit

Podolski: Tired of life in Munich

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Lukas Podolski looks set to be on the move in January after handing in a transfer request at Bayern Munich.

The Germany international has grown increasingly frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at Allianz Arena and is desperate to secure a move away from the Bundesliga champions.

He was linked with a host of Premier League clubs over the summer, following his Euro 2008 exploits, but was ultimately persuaded to bide his time at Bayern.

However, his patience has now been pushed beyond breaking point, and those clubs that expressed an interest during pre-season are likely to return for a New Year raid.

Podolski has failed to oust first-choice strike duo Luca Toni and Mirsolav Klose from Jurgen Klinsmann's plans at Bayern, and is set to face further competition for limited places when Los Angeles Galaxy star Landon Donovan arrives on loan in January.

"I have made my mind up that I would like to leave the club in the winter," Podolski told Bild.

"I have already told the management that I want to leave this winter."

Should Bayern accept his request, then former club Cologne will have first option on a player they reluctantly sold in the summer of 2006.

Klinsmann said: "We want to go into the second half of the season with a minimum of four strikers, and one of those four is Podolski."