After Franco di Santo's departure to Schalke 04, Simon Zoller of 1. FC Köln has apparently caught the attention of Werder Bremen.

The forward, who endured a tough first year at the RheinEnergieStadion following his £2.45 million move from 1. FC Kaiserslautern, was recently linked with a move to the Northerners. However Zoller's agent, Markus Peter, has quashed reports that his client was set to move to Viktor Skrypnyk's side. Peter commented on the speculation: "There is no current contact with Werder, there was last year before his move." 

Tough time for Zoller in Westphalia

Zoller made only eleven appearances for die Geißböcke, scoring a single goal before moving back to his previous club, Kaiserslautern, on loan for the second half of the campaign. Back at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Zoller made a further 14 appearances, netting three times. 

However, back with Köln, Zoller has appeared a man - full of self-confidence and good performances in pre-season so far. It's widely expected that the forward will play a crucial part of Peter Stöger's plans next season. 

Köln have been quick to strengthen their forward line heading into the new season. Following the departure of Anthony Ujah to Werder Bremen, the Billy Goats signed Anthony Modeste from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Austrian striker Philipp Hosiner was also brought in to bolster Köln's attacking options.

Bremen on the hunt for a striker

It's no secret that the Weserstadion outfit are on the look out for a an attacker, following the departures of Davie Selke and Franco di Santo to RB Leipzig and Schalke respectively.

Although a double raid on Köln would be unlikely, even more so after Peter's comments, it would be no surprise if Bremen signed an attacker in the upcoming weeks. Solely relying on Anthony Ujah and Fin Bartels, who isn't an out and out striker, doesn't seem like a great idea for Viktor Skyrpnyk's side. 

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Alex Howell
A writer of football related words. A Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga enthusiast and the only English member of FC Ingolstadt 04 and current producer of content for the official site. Thanks for visiting my profile. Find my twitter @Bundesliga_UK