Bayern reject Podolski offer, Altintop hopes to face Lyon

AFP - 7 December 2008 16:05

Bayern Munich have rejected a multi-million euro offer for their want away Germany striker Lukas Podolski, seen here in October 2008, from his former club Cologne

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Bayern Munich have rejected a multi-million euro offer for their want away Germany striker Lukas Podolski from his former club Cologne, team manager Uli Hoeness revealed on Sunday.

"An offer was received, but I would prefer not to say how much it was," Hoeness told German television channel DSF.

But Hoeness did say the offer was lower than the ten million euros (12.7 million US dollars) Bayern paid for Podolski in 2006.

Despite scoring 31 goals in 60 appearances for Germany, Podolski has failed to make an impact at Bayern and is third-choice striker at the German giants behind Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

Even the arrival of former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann in Munich last summer has failed to help his cause and Podolski has told Bayern bosses he wants a transfer during January's winter break.

But Hoeness said the 23-year-old will only leave Munich next summer - with Premier League clubs Tottenham and Manchester City also keen to sign him - providing Bayern find a replacement striker.

Meanwhile Bayern's Turkey midfielder Hamit Altintop has played his first 90 minutes for more than three months and is hoping to face Lyon in Wednesday's Champions League clash.

Altintop, who turns 26 on Monday, suffered a reaction to a broken metatarsal in August, a setback which required a second round of surgery, but he finally made his comeback for Bayern reserves at the weekend.

And after a lively performance, Altintop wants to play in Wednesday's Group F decider in Lyon which will decide who goes through as group winners with both sides locked on 11 points.

"I resumed the squad training programme two weeks ago, and I worked hard with the rehab coach," said the Turkey star.

"I'd definitely like to play against Lyon, because I'm fit and training with the squad.

"If I make the trip, I'd like to get on the field."

Bayern now have two big games before the winter break - Wednesday night's Lyon clash will decide their Champions League group and they face Stuttgart on Saturday having gone second in the Bundesliga by beating leaders Hoffenheim last Friday.

Ahead of the final round of group matches in Europe's elite club competition, Klinsmann has an almost full-strength squad with only long-term casualty Willy Sagnol missing.

But a minor question-mark remains over Podolski, who has shaken off back problems only to be struck down with gastroenteritis.

"It's a case of wait and see," commented Klinsmann, hinting that both Altintop and Podolski could still see playing time prior to the winter break.