Feyenoord boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has, for the first time, spoken publicly about his efforts to bring Watford winger Steven Berghuis to the club.

The Netherlands legend said this weekend he believes Berghuis "wants to come" to the Eredivisie champions on a permanent basis, having spent the past year on loan at De Kuip.

The 25-year-old's agent, Mino Raiola, told the Watford Observer earlier in the year that his player's first priority would be to stay with the Hornets next season - but only if he were given assurances over his first-team prospects.

But with the memories of helping Feyenoord to a first league title since 1999 still fresh, van Bronckhorst's public courting may give the Dutch international food for thought over a summer move.

The Feyenoord boss did concede, however, that Watford were playing hard-ball over their £4.5million man - and added that he would move for other targets if a deal was not forthcoming.

He said: "There will be a tilting moment, with Feyenoord going through other options. But Berghuis still wants to come to Feyenoord, but Watford's cooperation is very difficult.

"If you haev to wait until the last moment and you still are relying on Berghuis, you will have a problem as a coach."