Man. City reportedly to chase Bayern's Podolski

Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski is a reported transfer target for Manchester City, which is looking to flex its financial muscle and could make a $17.8 million bid for the German star during the January transfer window.

The Germany international has fallen out of favor at the Allianz Arena and has been told he can leave by the Bayern hierarchy.

The 23-year-old striker has recently admitted that he would be open to a move away from Der FCB and with former club Cologne, Roma as well as City interested, the striker is in high demand. However, the Polish-born player has also stated that he is willing to fight for his place with the current Bundesliga champions.

Bayern President Franz Beckenbauer has recently said that he is willing to let Podolski go for the right price as he no longer fits in with the Bayern style of play.

As reported by the Daily Star, 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."

Podolski has played a total of 58 league appearances for Bayern, scoring just 12 goals since his move from FC Cologne two years ago.