Podolski staying put

Lukas Podolski is staying at Bayern Munich. Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen were linked with the German striker - but he has been told he will be staying at his club for now.

"Even if Bremen make another effort to sign him - and nobody has officially contacted us so far - then it will all be in vain," he told TZ newspaper.

"The player will not be going anywhere in the winter break.

"We want him to be happy here, to achieve his sporting goals and to play football."

Podolski is currently enduring a difficult second season at Bayern, spending most of his time on the bench.