Bruno Labbadia has been sacked as coach of Hamburg just three days before the Bundesliga club’s most important fixture of the season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined Hamburg on a one-and-a-half-year contract from Real Madrid, the German club have announced on their website.

Hamburg have confirmed Rafael van der Vaart is close to joining Real Madrid.

Bundesliga side Hamburg have appointed former Tottenham boss Martin Jol as their new coach from next season.