Cologne interested in Linke

Thomas Linke has said he is interested in moving to Cologne.

Former Germany international Thomas Linke has confirmed that promotion-chasing Cologne are keen to sign him at the end of the season.

Linke's contract with current club Bayern Munich expires in the summer and coach Felix Magath has suggested that the veteran defender should find a new club.

Linke's departure is further evidence of Magath's intent to rebuild Bayern's rearguard, with Robert Kovac and Sammy Kuffour also on their way out from the Olympiastadion.

And Linke, 35, has admitted that the lure of a move to Cologne is very attractive: "It's an interesting offer as Cologne is a big name, they are one of the most traditional clubs," declared the former Schalke full back.

Bayern's city rivals 1860 Munich have also expressed an interest but Linke has suggested that he will not finish his career in the second division, and any transfer to 1860 or Cologne is therefore dependent on their promotion to Germany's top flight.

During the winter transfer window Linke was also linked with a move to The Premiership, and it remains to be seen if the veteran of 41 internationals would resist a lucrative offer to end his career abroad should the opportunity arise.