Nathan Ellington may still not return to Watford despite Derby County manager Nigel Clough confirming the striker has no future at Pride Park.

The Rams former boss Paul Jewell paid a £1.5m loan fee for Ellington at the beginning of the season with a view to signing the 27-year-old for a free transfer this summer.

Ellington has failed to impress Clough though, since his arrival in January and says the striker has no future at the club.

However, Watford chief executive Julian Winter has not had a definitive answer from Derby on whether they want to keep Ellington.

The Watford Observer understands the Rams have until the beginning of June to make their decision on the striker and if they can find a buyer, may yet retain his services.

Winter said: “We haven’t had a definitive answer from Derby. If he does come back then we will deal with it as and when we have to.

“Our manager [Brendan Rodgers] has made it clear that Nathan is not for him, so everyone knows what we want to do.”

Ellington made 32 appearances for Derby this season and scored nine goals in all competitions, most notably six in the League Cup as the Rams reached the semi-finals.

But the former Wigan man has only played 36 minutes off the bench since starting his last game on December 28.

Clough has already stated he plans to keep five of his forwards – Rob Hulse, Chris Porter, Kris Commons, Steve Davies and Luke Varney – and that Ellington is not in his plans.

Watford signed Ellington from West Bromwich Albion in August 2007 for an initial fee of £3.25m, rising to £4.25m, but he made only 18 starts for the Hornets last season, scoring four goals.

At Watford’s fans forum in February, manager Brendan Rodgers said he assumed Ellington would not be returning to the club.

But should he end up back at Vicarage Road next month, Rodgers said the striker is still not part of his plans.

Last month, the Watford boss said: “There is the possibility that he will come back. However, I have made it clear to the club that Nathan’s future would lie elsewhere.”