Podolski agrees Cologne return

Bayern Munich have agreed to let unsettled Germany international striker Lukas Podolski return to Cologne.

The 23-year-old moved to the Bundesliga giants from Cologne in the summer of 2006 but has grown frustrated by his lack of first-team opportunities at Bayern.

Reports suggest the transfer will take place in the summer after Podolski agreed a four-year contract with Cologne.

Bayern general manager, Uli Hoeness confirmed the news by saying: "I think that the transfer will take place on Monday."

Cologne are 11th at the halfway point of the Bundesliga season after winning seven of their opening 17 games.

Meanwhile, Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic has been forced to have an operation on his ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

The current Bundesliga leaders expect the 24-year-old Bosnia international to play no further part in the current campaign.

Ibisevic's team-mate, Marvin Compper, said: "We had a good talk with Vedad before his return to the hospital in Heidelberg and are happy the operation went well.

"It has happened, now we have to look forward and appear strong."

Ibisevic suffered the injury in last week's friendly against Hamburg when he had to be stretchered from the pitch.

The news comes as a major setback to Hoffenheim as Ibisevic had scored 18 goals in the first 17 games of the campaign.