German international striker Lukas Podolski said he is close to join German champions Bayern Munich from Cologne. "I have told the club's bosses that I want to join Bayern Munich," Podolski said on his official website on Tuesday. "Bayern are now the best club in Germany. I always wanted to reach the highest (level). I'm convinced I have made the right choice and am not at all worried about not playing regularly there," he added. The 20-year-old is looking to make a switch to the Bavarian giants, who previously expressed their interest in acquiring his services, after his side Cologne were relegated from the Bundesliga. Podolski's agent Kon scratch expressed his hope Bayern can finalize the deal before the World Cup kicks-off on the ninth of June. "Hopefully the parties can reach the agreement before the World Cup, so that Lukas can peacefully prepare for the tournament," he said. Bayern will reportedly face a stiff competition from Hamburg and Werder Bremen, who are keen to strengthen their squad by adding Podolski to their ranks. Podolski scored 10 goals with Cologne in the Bundesliga this season.