Tom Cleverley believes he is ready to play Premier League football with Manchester United but states he would like to stay at Watford when his loan spell ends in January.

Cleverley has been on fire since joining the Hornets in August and has averaged a goal every two games despite playing on the wing.

Watford are in discussions with United over extending the 20-year-old’s loan deal but with Nani, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan failing to stamp their authority on either flank, Sir Alex Ferguson may decide to promote Cleverley into the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

Cleverley said: “There has been talk of staying a bit longer but nothing has been finalised yet. I’m just looking to play as well as I can here.

“There has also been talk of me going back to United but it hasn’t been decided and there is nothing to say at this moment whether I’ll be returning or staying at Watford.

“Hopefully Watford want me back when my loan is up and I’d be happy to stay but I’ll just have to see what happens and what the clubs and managers decide.”

Cleverley enjoyed a successful spell at Leicester City during their charge to the League One title last season but it was cut short due to a dislocated shoulder.

The multi-functional player, who can also play in defence, was part of the United squad during pre-season and scored against Valencia in the summer.

Cleverley has netted six times in 13 Championship appearances for Watford so far and this week he claimed: “I think I’m ready to play in the Premier League.

“I’ve been watching United’s games and I don’t think they’ve hit their best form yet. I’ve looked at the people in my position and thought ‘Why not?’ I think I could step up, I think I’m ready.

“My best chance of getting in the United team would be on one of the wings. Not in the starting XI, that would be a bit ambitious, but in the squad or on the bench, left or right, and with my energy and goals, I could add something.”

Cleverley stated he “loves” playing for Malky Mackay and that Watford play football in the right way.

The Basingstoke-born midfielder has been receiving plaudits from the national media all season but he feels people are also starting to take note of Watford now.

Cleverley said: “I may be sending a message back to Manchester United with my performances but Watford are also sending one to the rest of the Championship.

“We’re on 24 points now and in the play-off mix. If we can follow that up with a good result against Scunthorpe in a fortnight there could be good times ahead.

“We could have won more than 2-0 against Preston and if we keep performing like that and make it a bit of a fortress here, we will be in good shape.”

Cleverley’s performances for Watford have seen him secure his place in the England Under-21 squad, alongside team-mate Scott Loach.

And tomorrow (Saturday) he will be fulfiling a dream by playing at Wembley in the Euro 2011 qualifier against Portugal.

He said: “It will be a dream to play at Wembley. I’ve never played there, just been a couple of times as a fan.

“We’re training there Friday and have Portugal on Saturday and I can’t wait.”