Hakim Ziyech has acknowledged that departing Chelsea during the January transfer window is a possibility.

Ziyech is currently in his third season at Stamford Bridge with a total of 14 goals and 10 assists being contributed from 92 matches in all competitions.

However, after two years of being in and out of the side, the 29-year-old has fallen further down the pecking order since the arrival of Graham Potter in September.

The Morocco international has been provided with just 270 minutes of football in all competitions, 85 of those minutes coming in the two matches before the World Cup break.

Despite a lively showing against Manchester City in the EFL Cup, Ziyech is thought to remain down Potter's list of preferences ahead of the turn of the year.

Speculation persists that a number of clubs are monitoring the situation, including Ziyech's former club Ajax where he produced the best form of his career.

When quizzed on whether a return to the Dutch giants is a possibility, Ziyech left the door open to a second stint in Amsterdam.

Speaking to NOS, the playmaker said: "It's hard to say, difficult to say. We don't know what will happen in the winter. It's football, so it's difficult to say."

As well as playing an instrumental part in several pieces of domestic silverware being won, Ziyech contributed 49 goals and 81 assists from just 165 appearances.

Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder will be looking to strengthen his team in January with the club currently three points adrift of Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord.

Although Ajax may target a loan with option to buy, there is money to spend after the £85m sale of Antony to Manchester United in August.

Ziyech is also a long-term target of AC Milan, and it has recently been claimed that his preference is a switch to San Siro.

With Morocco currently participating at the World Cup, Ziyech has the platform to put himself in the shop window, although that objective did not materialise on Wednesday as the Atlas Lions played out a goalless draw with Croatia. body check tags ::