Cologne have so far offered a sum in the region of 7million euros to lure Podolski back to his home city, but Bayern have rejected their bid out of hand.

In the deal which saw Podolski move to Bayern less than two years ago, Cologne secured themselves first option on the striker.

But Hoeness says time is running out for Cologne to exercise that option and has advised them to come back with an improved offer or risk losing the player to another interested party.

"It is not about what Cologne want to pay - it is about what we are demanding as a minimum," he told Munich's Tz newspaper.

"We have said that we want an eight-digit sum and if we don't get that, then they don't get their player.

"It's as certain as the Amen in church."

According to a report in the Welt newspaper, Hamburg are waiting in the wings should Cologne dither for too long and their coach, Martin Jol, is lining up a swap deal which would see Podolski move immediately.

Heading in the other direction would be Ivica Olic, who has already agreed to join Bayern in the summer on a free transfer.

And Hoeness appears to be ready to listen to such an offer.

"If Podolski comes to us and says that he wants to move to HSV, then we will discuss it," he said today.

The two sides are currently based within a matter of miles from each other at training camps in Dubai and will meet in the first Bundesliga fixture of 2009.