The news end a series of speculation surrounding the future of the 23-year-old, who opted to rejoin his former club.

"We have accommodated Lukas Podolski’s explicit wish for a return to Cologne," Bayern AG board director Uli Hoeness told the club's official site.

"This brings to an end all the rumours of recent weeks."

Podolski is expected to sign a four-year deal worth around €10million; almost the same amount paid by Bayern to acquire his services from Cologne two years ago.

Speculation Over

Poldi expressed his relief at the new deal, following his continuous plea for regular football at Allianz Arena.

"I have agreed a deal with Cologne starting from July 1, 2009," the 23-year-old striker said on his personal website.

"I am glad the decision for my future has been taken and all speculation about me is finally over."

The Polish-born striker spent long spells in the shadow of strike partners Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose at Bayern, who will also land frontman Ivica Olic in the summer.