SPURS TALK: Tottenham could be closing in on German target (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

SPURS TALK: Tottenham could be closing in on German target

10:34am Tuesday 24th June 2008 in

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TOTTENHAM have moved a step closer to securing one of their main striking targets ahead of next season, writes Iain Liddle.

German international Lukas Podolski expressing his interest in a move to a club that will offer him the chance to play regular football.

Podolski is currently his country's leading scorer in Euro 2008 with three goals despite being employed on the left-side of midfield.

He was signed by Bayern Munich in 2006 after having scored an impressive 46 goals in 81 games in the German Bundesliga. However he fell down the pecking order last summer when Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Frank Ribery all arrived on big-money deals as the team attempted to regain their league title.

Recent reports have also indicated that Stuttgart goal-machine Mario Gomez is another target this summer as the side prepare for a Champions League campaign, which would push the striker even further out of the first team reckoning.

Arsenal and the forward's former club Cologne have also been linked with a move for the player.

"I don't have the impression they have confidence in me and that feeling is boosted by their interest in other striking options," he said.

"Everything is possible. I have a contract with Bayern but everyone knows Cologne is a club apart in my eyes. Playing is more important than titles."

Jurgen Klinsmann, the coach who gave Podolski his first international cap, is to manage the Munich club in next season but the striker is not going to be influenced by emotional factors.

"I must make my decision without taking who is coach into account," he said.

"I didn't expect to be a regular at these Euros. But the staff have confidence in me and I pay them back with good performances, as has often been the case in my career."

The Polish-born hitman expressed his willingness to listen to offers last week when informed of the interest in him from the London side and Italian side Juventus.

"I was informed of the interest of both of these clubs and I find it very interesting." he told the German Daily Mail.