Bayer Leverkusen Forward Patrick Helmes On Koeln Radar - Report

Bundesliga outfit Koeln have already re-signed local hero Lukas Podolski from Bayern Munich, but the Geissbocke are also keen to bring back one of their other ex-players if a report in Express is to be believed. The paper claims that Koeln are keeping tabs on Patrick Helmes.

The 25-year-old is a product of the Koeln youth academy, but left the club to sign for Leverkusen in the summer of 2008. Nevertheless, his former club haven’t forgotten about him and would be delighted to see him return to Koeln.

“We’re hoping to see Patrick [Helmes] return to Koeln. We’ve always kept in touch and we know that he still has warm feelings for Koeln,” said Koeln manager Michael Meier.

“However, I don’t think we’ll be able to lure him away from the Werkself just yet. His current Leverkusen deal expires in 2013 and we have to accept that.”

The German international was recently being linked with a move to Stuttgart, but Leverkusen manager Rudi Voller made it clear that they’re not letting go of their star attacker. Rumours that Helmes has a minimum fee release clause of €12 million haven’t been confirmed or denied so far.

It’s a known fact that Helmes is still very close with several of his former Koeln colleagues and the attacker could be tempted to return to his beloved club if the Geissbocke can convince Leverkusen to let go of Helmes.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com