Marvin Zeegelaar refused to rule out a return to Ajax after declaring his love for the club where he made his first strides in the professional game.

The left-back made just two substitute appearances for the Dutch giants between 2010 and 2011 before being loaned to Excelsior and eventually joining Espanyol.

Having endured a tough debut campaign with Watford, in which he made 13 outings and was second choice behind Jose Holebas, the 27-year-old’s long-term Hornets future looks uncertain.

Speaking with journalist Alessandro Schiavone, Zeegelaar spoke of his affection for Ajax and admitted a move to the Amsterdam outfit is not out of the question.

He said: “Yes’ why not? It is the club from my hometown, I know the club and of course I love the club.”

Such a move would seem beyond Zeegelaar based on his performances for Watford in the season just finished.

He made a bright start and looked well placed to dislodge Holebas from his spot as Watford’s first-choice left-back.

However, errors began to creep into his game and Javi Gracia ended the campaign by favouring Adrian Mariappa, naturally a centre-back, ahead of Zeegelaar.

Having signed from Sporting Lisbon last summer, time is still on Zeegelaar’s side to make a success of his Watford move and he is contracted to the club until 2021.

His willingness to discuss a potential return to Ajax does, though, suggest a transfer away from Vicarage Road is not out of the question this summer.