Man Utd are now top of the Premier League having grabbed a late winner at Bolton and the champions are red hot favourites to claim another title.

Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski has agreed to return to his former club Cologne at the end of the season.

“I have agreed a deal with Cologne starting from July 1, 2009,” the 23-year-old striker said on his personal website.

“I am glad the decision for my future has been taken and all speculation about me is finally over.”

The announcement ends ending months of speculation over his future and although
no details of the deal were released Podolski will reportedly cost Cologne €10 million.

Podolski, who has been a very successful striker for the national team scoring 31 goals in 60 appearances, could not find a regular starting spot at Bayern since signing for the champions.

The recent addition of striker Landon Donovan, on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, and the signing of Hamburg’s Ivica Olic will further diminishes his prospects of securing a place in the starting XI.

He already had to compete with established strikers Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

“I have had very good discussions with (Cologne coach) Christoph Daum and (Cologne manager) Michael Meier and I am fully convinced of the club’s concept. I look forward to this challenge,” he added.

Man Utd are now top of the Premier League having grabbed a late winner at Bolton and the champions are red hot favourites to claim another title.

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