Hans-Jorg Butt will move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, and Hamburg started their search for a replacement in July, with them being linked to Pascal Zuberbuhler, Stefan Klos and Robert Enke before watching Jesper Christiansen.
Hamburg coach Frank Pagelsdorf, who has previously worked with Pieckenhagen 1996-97, is now believed to be looking at a Bosman swoop for him, whose contract at the Ostseesstadion runs out at the end of the season, although he has been offered a new deal.
"A transfer would be a very attracting possibility for me," admitted Pieckenhagen. "They have a very young and ambitious team that plays in the Uefa Cup and will certainly be challenging for the championship in the next few years.
"But if my heart didn't beat for Hansa I would play for another club already. I must say that Hansa's offer is very good."
Hansa coach Friedhelm Funkel, however, is hopeful that Pieckenhagen will decide to stay with the club, during what he predicts will be exciting times in the coming years.
"I have talked several times with Martin in recent weeks and he seems not to have taken any decision yet," said Funkel. "He knows what he has here and I told him that we are going to get something going on here in the future."
