Wolfsburg in talks for Medojevic

Wolfsburg are in discussions with Serbian club Vojvodina over the possible transfer of Slobodan Medojevic to the Volkswagen-Arena.

The 21-year-old midfielder has made an impact at Vojvodina, having been named captain of the Novi Sad-based side, and his performances have attracted the interest of Wolfsburg's Felix Magath.

"Negotiations are underway with Wolfsburg," Vojvodina president Ratko Butorovic said, according to Kicker. "In a few days we will know where we stand. We only want the best for him."

Reports suggest Medojevic would cost approximately 2.5 million euros.

Wolfsburg sit 12th in the Bundesliga with 20 points, and return to action after the winter break against Cologne on January 21.

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Raul Unsure Of Future With Schalke

Real Madrid legend Raul has revealed that he will make a decision over his future at Schalke next month.

The Spaniard netted his third hat-trick since arriving at the Royal Blues 18 months ago as they moved up to third in the Bundesliga table, leaving the prospect of Champions League football next season open.

Raul will be out of contract in June and being linked with a move to England.

“I just want to carry on playing over the next five months the way I am playing now,” he told Sky television.

“We will just have to see what happens after. My decision will be made in January.

“The important thing is that the team is in great form at the moment and with the club in such a privileged position of being in the league, the Europa League and the DFB-Pokal, in the end it doesn’t matter if I continue or not.”

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Bundesliga Wrap: Bayern beat Cologne 3-0

Bayern Munich moved six points clear on top of the Bundesliga on Friday with a 3-0 home win over Cologne.

The home side had French star Franck Ribery sent off just after the half-hour mark at Allianz Arena, but the winger's dismissal did not slow Jupp Heynckes' men down.

Bayern took the lead three minutes after half-time thanks to a goal from Mario Gomez, his 16th of the campaign, and they doubled their advantage through David Alaba in the 63rd minute.

Alaba turned provider two minutes from the end when his pass set up Toni Kroos, and the German international fired past Michael Rensing in the Cologne goal to cap off an emphatic victory for the hosts.

The result sees Bayern move six points ahead of reigning champions Borussia Dortmund and Schalke in the Bundesliga, although both of those sides have a game in hand.

Dortmund visit Freiburg on Saturday while Schalke host Werder Bremen.

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Wolfsburg in chase of Bayern´s Olic

Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath admitted his side are interested in signing Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic in the January transfer window.

The Volkswagen Arena outfit are eager to add more firepower to their team and they see the 32-year-old Olic as a valuable addition to their squad.

However, Magath acknowledged that it all depends on whether Bayern want to sell.

"He (Olic) would fit in here. And as far as I'm aware of the situation, he is open to a move," Magath told German newspaper Bild.

"He will probably play at his last big tournament at Euro 2012 this summer, and he wants to play in the build-up. However, the question is whether Bayern are ready to sell him."

Magath also acknowledged the skills of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who comes out of contract in the summer.

"He (Rosicky) is a good player, no question. A few years ago, the top clubs were chasing him," Magath said of the Czech Republic international.

But the Wolfsburg boss admitted he did not know who would join his side next month.

"But I'm not a dreamer who believes that we can play with this team for our European mission," he said.

"We lack a top player, one who stands out through performance or personality."

Bayern Munich have so far insisted that they are not off-loading any players in the winter transfer window, meaning that Wolfsburg could face a tough task attempting to lure Olic away from the Allianz Arena.

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Cologne face 1-1 draw againts Mainz

Cologne came from behind to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw against Mainz in the Bundesliga on Tuesday.

In front of another packed crowd at the RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne entered the match in high spirits after a 4-0 win over Freiburg on Saturday while Mainz also had every reason to feel confident.

They had gone four matches unbeaten ahead of their trip to Cologne, indicating that an exciting match was on the cards.

But at half-time there had been no goals scored and it looked like the match could be decided by one moment.

That looked to have happened when Tunisian attacker Sami Allagui converted Julian Baumgartlinger's assist with just 20 minutes to play as Mainz took the lead.

An equaliser did come though, with in-demand Cologne forward Lukas Podolski levelling proceedings with five minutes left.

Podolski's late strike was his 14th for the season and his fifth in three games as Cologne remained in 10th, while Mainz sit 12th.

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Babbel rejects any Schalke links

Hertha Berlin coach Markus Babbel has rejected suggestions that he could be on his way to Schalke.

The 39-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Olympic Stadium outfit after he guided the club to the Bundesliga in his first season in charge in the German capital.

A report in Berliner Zeitung am Sonntag claimed that Babbel met with Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt at the Berlin Ritz Carlton hotel one day after his side's 2-1 league defeat at the hands of the Gelsenkirchen outfit.

Babbel confirmed that he did meet Heldt at the hotel, but stressed that his situation was not discussed.

"A celebration for the loss? Nonsense, I am not that dumb," Babbel is quoted by Bild as saying.

"The truth is that I had a drink with Horst in Munich on Saturday to celebrate his birthday.

"I never signed or promised to sign a contract."

Hertha are 11th in Bundesliga, while Schalke are third.

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Bundesliga this week Wrap Up

Struggling Augsburg upset Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 on Saturday, while Cologne and Werder Bremen cruised to big wins in the Bundesliga.

Promoted side Augsburg inflicted Monchengladbach's first defeat in eight matches thanks to a goal from Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker in the 51st minute at the SGL Arena.

The win lifts Augsburg off the foot of the table, although they remain inside the relegation zone, one point from the safety of 15th place.

Elsewhere, Cologne picked up their first victory in four matches with an emphatic 4-0 win at home to Freiburg.

Christian Clemens and Lukas Podolski were the men on target at the RheinEnergieStadion, with both claiming two goals apiece.

And Werder Bremen also ran out comfortable winners at home, as they dispatched Wolfsburg 4-1.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Claudio Pizarro, Markus Rosenberg and Marko Arnautovic all found the net for the home side at the Weserstadion, with Marcel Schaefer bagging a late consolation for the visitors.

Elsewhere, a brace from Vedad Ibisevic saw Hoffenheim defeat Nuremburg 2-0 away from home.

Both sides finished with 10 men at the EasyCredit-Stadion, where Timothy Chandler saw red for the hosts two minutes before half-time.

He was joined in making an early exit by Hoffenheim's Marvin Compper, who received his marching orders a minute into injury time.

Mainz were held 0-0 at home by Hamburg, while Hannover and Bayer Leverkusen shared the same scoreline in Saturday's final Bundesliga match.

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Bundesliga Wrap:Schalke defeated Hertha Berlin 2-1

Klaas-Ten Huntelaar's 14th Bundesliga goal of the campaign set Schalke on their way to a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin on Friday.

The in-form Netherlands striker put his side in front after just 20 minutes at Berlin's Olympiastadion, lashing home after a cross into the area fell in his path.

The goal was Huntelaar's 14 in 15 league games this season and 25th for Schalke in all competitions this season.

But Hertha was able to hit back just five minutes later, when Colombia forward Adrian Ramos rose highest to nod home a corner at the near post.

Schalke did take a lead into the half-time break, however, with 21-year-old Finnish striker Teemu Pukki hitting a superb right-footed strike past Thomas Kraft in Hertha's goal on 44 minutes.

A scoreless second half handed the three points to Schalke, moving them to second on the table, ahead of the rest of the weekend's league action.

Hertha are in ninth but - winless in the league since October 29 - are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle.

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Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen 2 Hoffenheim 0

Bayer Leverkusen moved up to sixth in the Bundesliga after goals from Eren Derdiyok and Sidney Sam gave them a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim.

Derdiyok opened the scoring after 10 minutes at the BayArena before Sam sealed a third win in five matches for Robin Dutt's side with 11 minutes remaining.

After passing a fitness test before the match, Derdiyok almost gave the hosts the lead after six minutes when he directed Sam's cross at goal, only for Tom Starke to deny him with a fine save.

But the Switzerland international would not be denied four minutes later, pouncing on Starke's parry from Andre Schurrle's long-range strike before heading home.

Leverkusen continued to dominate in the second half, with Schurrle causing plenty of problems for the Hoffenheim defence.

The German forward almost extended the lead after being put through on goal by Stefan Kiessling in the 56th minute, but an onrushing Starke nullified the threat.

The deserved second goal came in the 79th minute when Kiessling fed Sam, who lifted the ball over Starke to double the advantage.

After failing to muster any chances of note for most of the match, Hoffenheim came to life in the closing stages but were denied a consolation when Marvin Compper's shot was saved by Bernd Leno.

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Podolski denies transfer talks with Arsenal

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski denied any discussions with Premier League giants Arsenal, regarding a potential transfer.

The Germany international has been linked with a move away from the RheinEnergieStadion, with north London rumoured to be a possible destination.

When asked about Arsenal, Podolski was full of praise for the Emirates Stadium club, but admitted that he has not been in discussions with the English giants.

"Arsenal are a top club. They have a good team and play with the best in England," he told Bild.

"Still, there have been no talks."

Podolski redirected his energy towards his side's upcoming Bundesliga clash with the seventh-placed Stuttgart.

"My full concentration is on Stuttgart, since on Saturday we have an important game," he said.

Cologne sporting director Volker Finke also confirmed on Friday that his side had rejected an inquiry from Lokomotiv Moscow over the availability of his star asset.

"We have denied Moscow because we want to extend our agreement with Podolski," he told Bild.

Podolski, 26, has scored nine Bundesliga goals this season. His contract is set to expire in 2013.

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Dortmund Wants Arsenal To Increase Bid For Mario Gotze

It has been revealed that Borussia Dortmund have already informed Arsenal to up their bid if they want Mario Gotze.



The Gunners were hoping to agree a £25m fee now and tie up the deal when the transfer window re-opens in January – but the Bundesliga champions have told them they will not accept anything less than £30m.

Arsene Wenger, keen to add quality to his midfield following the summer departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, is desperate to land one of the hottest talents in Europe and has made his move now in a bid to head off interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

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Crash victims point finger at Podolski

Cologne forward Lukas Podolski has defended his actions after being involved in a serious car accident on Monday.



The Germany international was involved in an crash on his way to training, but did not sustain any injuries.

However, local police told RTL on Tuesday that they would be opening a criminal investigation into the incident over alleged negligence on Podolski's part.

The father of the family of three travelling in the other vehicle involved in the crash publicly accused the 26-year-old of displaying little concern for him or his daughter, both of whom were taken to hospital immediately after the collision.

Podolski, though, insists that he made every effort to check on the welfare of Eduard Paller and his one-year-old daughter, Fabienne, who suffered a suspected fracture in the bone above her nose.

"I immediately tried to contact the family by telephone in the afternoon," he told the Koln-Star. "Unfortunately, I could not reach anyone."

"In the evening, I was able to speak with the mother. I asked about the health of the family and apologised for the collision."

"I told the mother that I will immediately look for a quick and smooth claims settlement."

Podolski admitted he had been stung by Paller’s accusation of a lack of compassion and the negative media coverage which has followed.

"Now I have the impression that the public has more interest in the family than the actual accident," he said.

Podolski also revealed that he experienced some mild pain in his ribs following the crash but he is expected to be available for this weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Stuttgart.

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Leverkusen complete goalkeeper Bernd Leno transfer

Bayer Leverkusen have announced an agreement with Stuttgart over the transfer of goalkeeper Bernd Leno.



The 19-year-old has been on loan with Robin Dutt's side since the start of the season, and having initially penned a six-month deal, was intended to be a short-term solution to replace the injured Rene Adler.

Leno has impressed, however, to the point that Leverkusen purchased his services from Stuttgart and offered the player a contract until June of 2017, to which he has agreed.

"In Bernd Leno, we have secured the services of one of the most outstanding goalkeeping talents in Germany in the long term," Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller told the club's official website.

"Bernd has helped us through a very difficult situation in the past few months. He superbly filled in for the injured Rene Adler, and played a big part in helping us qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League."

Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser echoed Voller's statements.

"Bernd Leno has completely justified the confidence we placed him, despite his youth and complete inexperience in professional football," Holzhauser said.

"In the past weeks and months, he has always been a good performer in the team. With his excellent performances, he has earned a long-term contract."

Leno was delighted with his full transfer to Leverkusen and thanked his former club Stuttgart for helping him develop into the player he is today.

"I feel very well at Bayer and am grateful that the club have given me the chance to play in the Bundesliga and the Champions League," Leno said.

"I would like to pay back this confidence. The club had several other options, but they chose me when Rene Adler had to have surgery."

"This impressed me very much, so I wanted to stay in Leverkusen. I thank VfB for a good time. There I received a great education that enabled me to make the next step."

Leno made his debut in his side's second Bundesliga game of the season against Werder Bremen.

He has since featured in every match for Leverkusen, and has been promoted to the Germany Under-21 national team.

A fee for his release was not disclosed, but is estimated to be in the region of seven million euros.

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Rosicky linked with Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg are considering making a move for Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky in January, according to reports in Germany.


Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath is eager to add some fresh blood to his squad in the European winter transfer window, and Bild claims he sees the 31-year-old as the perfect signing.

The Bundesliga club were linked with the midfielder before the 2011/12 campaign, but a move never materialised. However, they are reportedly eager to land their man in January and are ready to begin negotiations.

The Czech Republic international is finding regular first-team action hard to come by in London this season and could opt to leave the Emirates.

The attacking midfielder's contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the 2011/12 campaign and the English Premier League outfit could be ready to cash in on Rosicky in January.

Rosicky starred in the Bundesliga at Borussia Dortmund from 2001 until 2006 before moving to Arsenal.

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Podolskii unhurt by Car Accident

Cologne forward Lukas Podolski escaped unhurt from a serious car accident on Monday.


The Germany international was involved in a collision while driving to training, but even though his vehicle was heavily damaged, Podolski was unharmed.

The 26-year-old was treated by a physio upon his belated arrival at Cologne's headquarters, but Podolski explained that his visit to the medical room was not a consequence of his crash.

"I'm fine, nothing happened," Podolski told Express. "I had a slight collision; (it) was nothing more, happily."

"I let myself be treated because of an injury from the (Borussia Monchengladbach) game that had nothing to do with the accident."

An MRI scan on his calf revealed that Podolski had not sustained any structural damage, meaning that he will return to training on Wednesday and should be fit to face Stuttgart on Saturday.

The player was more concerned with the welfare of the family of three travelling in the car with which he collided.

However, although the father and child did sustain minor injuries, they were only taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Podolski has scored nine goals in 12 league appearances this season, with Cologne sitting 11th on the Bundesliga table after 13 games.

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Ribery Praises Heynckes

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery credits coach Jupp Heynckes with his return to form this season.

Ribery has rediscovered his best form this season after a disappointing 2010-11 campaign, and the Frenchman believes Heynckes has had a positive influence on his career since the coach arrived at the Allianz Arena in June.

"I get along with him (Heynckes) brilliantly. I feel his trust, his human touch," Ribery said. "He talks a lot with us that clears my head when I'm on the pitch."

"Plus, I'm incredibly happy about the birth of my son. And when I'm happy, you can see it on the pitch."

Ribery said he was confident Bayern were closing the gap on the two teams he considered the best in the world - Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"Barcelona set the standards. Real have a very, very good team. But we've gained ground and are getting closer to the top."

Bayern Munich suffered their second successive league defeat at the weekend when they lost 3-2 to Mainz, and Ribery believes that his side were never going to win the Bundesliga easily.

"If you're playing for Bayern, you become used to the club's standards and demands. But waltzing through the league?" he said.

"The season is long and a lot can happen. But one thing is certain: we want to be top till the end, if possible."


Bayern Munich sit in third place on the Bundesliga table following Sunday's loss, but just one point behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

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Mainz beat Bayern Munich 3-2

Relegation zone team Mainz shocked everyone as they beat the giants Bayern Munich 3-2 on Sunday.

Goals Scored by:

Mainz: Andreas Ivanschitz(10'),Marco Caligiuri (65'),Niko Bungert (74')

Bayern Munich: Daniel van Buyten(56',79')

This win takes Mainz out of the relegation zone,as they now stands at the thirteen spot with 15 points and Bayern Munich are now at the Third spot with 28 points.

In the other BundesLIGA games,Werder Bremen defeated Stuttgart 2-0 and now stands at the Fourth spot.

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Gotze not bothered about Transfer talk rumours

Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze says that the transfer talk with the gunners wont unsettle him in their clash.

Gotze have been linked with a transfer move to Arsenal from quite some time now,but the player confirms his devotion to the german club.

Gotze said:

“I’ve heard the rumours but I never let that affect me”

Borussia will face Arsenal in the Champions League Group F clash tonight.

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Bundesliga referee Babak Rafati released from hospital

Following his suicide attempt on Saturday,the german referee has been released form the Hospital.

The match between Cologne and Mainz was called off as he tried to commit suicide,just an hour before the match was going to get started.

While talking to Bild,his father confirmed that his sons conditions was improving:

"I phoned Babak on Saturday and twice on Sunday. He is doing very well,"

"The first thing he said was, 'Dad, I love you'. He apologised to me and asked for forgiveness."

After taking such a step,Rafati is now going to lose his FIFA-listed referee status in January.

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Bundesliga Fixture called off,after referee tries to commit suicide

Recent reports from germany are coming out that,during an Bundesliga fixture,a referee tried to commit suicide.

It was a match between Cologne and Mainz,and the referee incharge was Babak Rafati,who tried to commit suicide just hours before the match was going to kickoff,but because of this incident,the match was called off,and  now has been postponed till the investigations continues.

Babak Rafati,41,has refereed in nearly 200 matches in the German top division's but was found in his apartment on Saturday morning with his wrists slashed.

This is not the first time,when some news like this is coming from germany,back in November 2009,Germany's top goalkeeper Robert Enke commited suicide by standing in front of a train at a level crossing.

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