Podolski, who missed Saturday's 4-1 Bundesliga victory over Energie Cottbus with a minor thigh bruise, got fed up with life at Bayern after spending long spells in the shadow of strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose.

"I have made my decision and I would like to leave the club in the winter," the 23-year-old told German newspaper Bild.

The international striker joined the German giants from FC Cologne on a four-year deal shortly after the 2006 World Cup.

Although a lot of media hype surrounded his transfer to the prominent outfit, he has been nothing more than a mere substitute since his arrival.

What makes his status with Jurgen Klinsmann's men relatively questionable is that Poldi is featuring for his country quite regularly.

Several parties, including Real Madrid, Fiorentina and AS Roma have earlier been mentioned as possible suitors for Podolski, but no solid offers were made.

The Polish-born is now tipped to rejoin Cologne in case the latter made a worthwhile bid.