The signing of striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid has German club Hamburg SV back in the spotlight.

Despite being seven points off leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburg are now one of the favourites for the Bundesliga title according to Germany legend and honorary Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer.

"Hamburg are one of the favourites now," Beckenbauer said on Thursday.

"They have acquired a world-class striker in Ruud van Nistelrooy who can singlehandedly decide matches when fit."

van Nistelrooy's Dutch teammate Arjen Robben, who plays with Bayern, says the 33-year old is capable of helping Hamburg climb the league table.

"I consider him as one of the best strikers in the world," Robben told reporters.

"Hamburg are a very good team with lots of quality and they are now only going to get better with him."

Hamburg take on defending champions Wolfsburg this weekend but it is unsure if van Nistelrooy will make his much-anticipated debut.