Stale Solbakken admits Koln need a 'Plan B' in case Lukas Podolski leaves

Koln coach Stale Solbakken has admitted his side will have to search for a potential replacement for Lukas Podolski, amid rumours the striker could leave his hometown club.

The 26-year-old has scored 14 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances this season and recently requested more time to consider whether or not to extend his contract, which is set to expire in 2013.

"I rule out nothing. Especially not in Koln, because Koln is not normal," Solbakken told Bild. We need a 'Plan B' and have to look at what we can do after Poldi's decision."

Koln have repeatedly stated their intent to extend Podolski's contract, and while the player's agent recently admitted his client will not leave in the winter, the Rhine side may be forced to sell him in the summer should he eventually decline an extension.

Arsenal, Lazio, Lokomotiv Moscow and Schalke are the clubs reportedly interested in Podolski.

Pranjic

Koln are willing to offer Lukas Podolski a new contract worth €5 million per season in order to persuade the forward to stay with the club.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in June 2013 and has been repeatedly linked with a move abroad, with Premier League outfit Arsenal said to be particularly keen on signing the player in the summer.



However, according to Bild, Koln will offer Podolski a pay rise of €1.7m as part of a two-year contract extension which will include the option to renew for a further season in 2015.

The Germany international has thus far given little away regarding his next move, admitting only that his future will be resolved one way or another in the summer.

Podolski, who has been capped 95 times by his country, is in his second stint with his hometown club, having rejoined Koln from Bayern Munich in 2009.


:lucas:

Welcome to Arsenal

Sushi Master wrote:Welcome to Arsenal

He's yours, Cisse and Ba are superior :lucas:

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:

Sushi Master wrote:Welcome to Arsenal

He's yours, Cisse and Ba are superior :lucas:

But they are not divine.

:vagi:

Sushi Master wrote:

Great Leader Sprucenuce wrote:

Sushi Master wrote:Welcome to Arsenal

He's yours, Cisse and Ba are superior :lucas:

But they are not divine.

:vagi:

This goal says otherwise

Even I predicted Papiss was gonna rip it in Newcastle

Don't need divine powers for that.

There sadly wouldn't be place for Ba or Papiss with van God playing, anyways

A plan B? I thought Köln needs a plan!

rwo power wrote:A plan B? I thought Köln needs a plan!

Hoof it to Podolski and pray.

What better plan than that?

Sushi Master wrote:

There sadly wouldn't be place for Van God with Ba and Cisse playing, anyways

I feel your pain