Lukas Podolski could become a Cologne player next week, according to Bayern Munich's general manager, Uli Hoeness.

He has already met with his Cologne counterpart Michael Meier, who has made an improved offer for the Germany international, and both parties are due to meet again upon Bayern's return from their Dubai training camp early next week to iron out a deal.

According to Hoeness, the offer and demand are now "very close".

"We are in talks with Cologne and when I return next week we will reopen these talks," Hoeness told Germany's ZDF television channel today.

"I think we will reach a solution by the end of the month.

"There are only small technicalities to put in place. I think we will manage it."

Cologne made a preliminary offer of 7million euros before Christmas, but this was rejected out of hand by Bayern, who want at least to recoup the 10million they paid Cologne for his services less than two years ago.

With other clubs, including Hamburg, expressing their interest, Cologne made an improved offer earlier this week, which appears to have gone down better with Bayern.

Podolski has not even made the trip to Dubai with Bayern due to a viral infection.

Meanwhile, Hoeness has ruled out a transfer for midfielder Toni Kroos in light of interest from Stuttgart.

"We have decided that Toni will stay with FCB," confirmed Hoeness.