Cologne targets Solbakken

Published May. 13, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cologne is talking to Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken about taking over the Bundesliga club next season.

Cologne sports director Volker Finke acknowledged Friday that he had an ''interesting conversation'' with the Norwegian, who has led FC Copenhagen to the Danish title five times.

Finke served as Cologne's interim coach after Frank Schaefer stepped down with three games remaining.

''I'll only reveal more when everything is clear. Then I'll also say why I've gone in this direction,'' he said.

The 43-year-old Solbakken had agreed a three-year deal to take over as Norway coach in 2012.

Media reports suggested Cologne would have to pay up to ?520,000 in compensation to the Norwegian football association if Solbakken is hired, but Finke is keen to get a deal done.

''It should be done as quickly as possible,'' he said. ''The new coach should be involved in the final squad planning for the coming season.''

Norwegian tabloid VG reported Solbakken has already signed a contract with Cologne and will take over the German team in late June.