Prolific Germany forward Podolski high on mega-rich Manchester City's hit-list

The Bayern Munich marksman is one of European football's most prolific frontmen but cannot get a game with the German champions after moving from FC Cologne in 2006.

Prolific: Lukas Podolski of Germany scores the second goal in the 6-0 victory over Liechtenstein in Sarturday's World Cup qualifier

After landing Brazilian striker Robinho for £32.5million from under the noses of Chelsea, City's new Arab owners are ready to bankroll the captures of Europe's top talents.

But Valencia hitman David Villa has dismissed their interest, insisting he would never leave the Spanish giants purely for money.

Manchester United have dismissed suggestions they would sell Cristiano Ronaldo to City while Arsenal would not countenance selling Cesc Fabregas to them. As such the Blues have adjusted their sights to take in more achievable targets.

Podolski, 23, would still represent a major coup as he has smashed a staggering 30 goals in 56 matches.

He is far superior to Germany team-mate and Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez, who City tried to buy on Deadline Day, and admitted: 'Everything is possible.'

Podolski added: 'I would be a bad footballer if I contented myself by sitting on the bench. I could tolerate it if it was a case of two or three weeks, but there comes a point when one has to draw the line and say: 'This is too much! I'm not making any progress here'.'

Podolski has gone on record recently suggesting he could leave Bayern in January if he is not playing regularly.

Boss Mark Hughes has vowed to protect City's production line of young talent, despite being handed limitless sums to tempt the world's best to Eastlands.