MUNICH, May 23 (SW) - Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has put pressure on FC Cologne to finalize striker Lukas Podolski’s transfer to the German champions.

Podolski, who is expected to play an important role for the German squad at next month’s World Cup finals, scored 10 goals in the 2003/04 campaign, setting a Bundesliga record for an 18-year-old.

The 20-year-old scored 9 goals in an uneven campaign this year, feuding with his coach and being dropped for matches as Cologne were relegated.

Podolski has made his preference for Bayern known, but as negotiations between the two clubs drag on, Bayern are growing frustrated.

"There's a limit to our patience," Rummenigge said.

"If we can't find a solution then we won't waste time. We'll look for another striker. Thank God there's plenty of them in the market."

Podolski is expected to cost Bayern €10 million, though a clause in his contract would allow him to leave for just €1 million next summer.