Cologne linked with Dudek

Cologne want to end Jerzy Dudek’s stay at Liverpool and offer him a lifeline to save his World Cup dreams, according to the player’s agent.

The German club are the latest club to show an interest in the hero of Liverpool’s Champions League final victory, who has yet to start a game for the Merseysiders since that day in May.

Dudek, 32, is keen to find a move away during this month’s transfer window as he looks to safeguard his international place with Poland ahead of the World Cup this summer.

The keeper’s agent Jan de Zeeuw has revealed Cologne are keen on signing Dudek, who would appear willing to move to Germany.

“Jerzy wants to play at the World Cup and just to play football again,” De Zeeuw told the Cologne Express.

“Jerzy would be willing to move to Germany and join Cologne, but we need to reach a compromise with Liverpool.”

Dudek produced a stunning save to deny AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko during the Champions League final in May before emerging as the hero during the shoot-out victory.

However, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has drafted in Jose Reina and the Spanish goalkeeper has been first choice this season.