Mauro Zarate is returning to his homeland to rejoin Velez Sarsfield on loan for the rest of the season, the Argentine club have announced.

Although the move has yet to be confirmed by Watford or Dubai outfit Al Nasr, where Zarate has been on loan since the start of October, the striker has made no secret of his desire to return to his boyhood club and looks to have got his wish.

Velez announced the move in a brief statement on their website and social media, stating that the 30-year-old is expected to arrive in the next few days to begin his third stint at the club.

The former West Ham United forward moved to Vicarage Road on a two-and-a-half year deal from Fiorentina in last year’s January transfer window, but made just three appearances before rupturing a cruciate ligament.

Zarate was named in the Hornets’ Premier League squad for this season, but was limited to featuring for the Under-23s before making his loan move to Al Nasr, although Watford did have a recall clause this month.