1.FC Koln have begun to plan for life without Lukas Podolski, although it remains likely the Germany international will still stay with the Billy Goats until the end of the current campaign.

 

Podolski’s contract with Koln expires in 2013 and the Bundesliga club have indicated that the 26-year-old can leave for the right price. And the process of selling the former Bayern Munich man is set to be sped up.

 

The forward has been heavily linked with English Premier League outfit Arsenal, while there is much interest in his services from Russia. In Italy too, several clubs have been mooted as monitoring his situation closely, including Lazio and Napoli.

 

Now Koln have taken the first steps towards ensuring a replacement for Podolski is in situ, with the signing of North Korean striker Jong Tae-Se.

 

The 27-year-old, who impressed with North Korea at the 2010 World Cup, has arrived from VfL Bochum.

 

Koln have paid in the region of €400,000 for the man who has struck four times this season in the 2.Bundesliga.

 

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