Bayern to let Podolski leave

Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has confirmed that Lukas Podolski could well leave the club. It is understood that Man City boss Mark Hughes is keen on bringing the Germany international striker to the club in the January transfer window.

However, Man City will not be willing to pay the £15 million quoted already for the German striker.

Beckenbauer said: ‘‘You can’t keep a professional if he is unhappy, on the bench and not playing.

“Podi is a top-class striker when he has space to run clear.

“But teams we face are usually very defensive.”