Madrid in for German star Podolski

Struggling German side FC Cologne claim Spanish giants Real Madrid are interested in signing their German international marksman Lukas Podolski.

The 20-year-old Podolski has made it clear that he wants a move to a bigger club and Madrid have apparently joined Bayern Munich and SV Hamburg in the race for his signature.

"There is interest from several foreign clubs including Real Madrid," Cologne general manager Michael Meier informed Bild daily.

Cologne have slapped a 15 million euro price-tag on Podolski but may have to settle for significantly less with the player having a one million euro get-out clause in his contract which runs until June 2007.

German champions Bayern have made no secret of their desire to sign the striker and the player's agent Norbert Pflippen, revealed his client was leaning towards a move within the Bundesliga.

"We have always said he should move to a German club first," said Pflippen.

Polish-born forward Podolski has shone on the international stage netting 10 goals in 20 internationals but his league form has been patchy with just five league goals to his name this season.