Out of favour Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has hinted that he could be ready to leave the club in January, but has ruled out a return to Ajax.

The Dutch International opted to stay and fight for his place in the summer amid the new era of galacticos, but he has found it hard to break into the side.

The 26-year-old has started just one game In La Uga this season, with five appearances as a substitute, and has not featured at all in the Champions League.

Van der Vaart knows he must play more regularly if he is to keep his place in Ben van Marwijk’s squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.

While the player admitted he may have no choice but to leave the Bernabeu, he insisted a return to the Amsterdam ArenA was not on the agenda at this stage in his career.

"In principle 1 find it too early (to return) and I say no,'' Van der Vaart told DeTelegraaf newspaper.

"I do not know if I will stay at Real Madrid, but there are other options."

Ajax coach Martin Joi told Sport 1 on Monday: "I hope he comes. With him we would have the best midfield in Holland.1'