Everton are hoping to send Armando Broja back to Chelsea in exchange for another loan from Stamford Bridge, with the midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka on David Moyes’s wishlist.

Everton had wanted to terminate Broja’s season-long loan after the Albania international was ruled out for 10-12 weeks with ankle ligament damage, only for Chelsea to demand compensation for the remainder of the deal. Moyes is desperate to improve his attacking options in this window but Everton, who still have to be mindful of profitability and sustainability restrictions, have used their full allocation of four loan signings this season. One potential solution that has arisen in talks between the two clubs is for Broja to return to Chelsea and Everton to take another of their players on loan.

Dewsbury-Hall and Chukwuemeka are possible options although both have interest from other clubs and may not become available until late in the transfer window. Chelsea signed Dewsbury-Hall for £30m from Leicester last summer but his appearances have mainly come in the Conference League and Carabao Cup. He has made only one start in the Premier League – though that came in Chelsea’s game against Wolves on Monday. Chukwuemeka, a much sought-after player when he joined from Aston Villa for £20m in 2022, has started once under Enzo Maresca this season.

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Moyes insisted on Friday that “no firm decision has been taken” on Broja’s future but a return to Stamford Bridge for the unfortunate striker is a possibility. The Everton manager also outlined his ideal January transfer window. “Adding attacking players, maybe another midfielder and we’d like to strengthen at left-back if possible, but I don’t know if I can fit all that in just now,” he said.

Everton’s need for creative additions has intensified after Dwight McNeil suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. McNeil, who has been sidelined since the win over Wolves on 4 December, is likely to undergo surgery that could keep him out for a further six weeks.

“He was out this morning on the grass trying to get going and didn’t feel right,” said Moyes, who could move for the Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah. “They [Everton’s medical staff] were always saying that if he didn’t come through today we’d take him back to the specialist. It’s a real blow because we need him back for deliveries, set-plays and for his general play.”

Everton’s trip to Brighton on Saturday will be Moyes’s 700th Premier League game as a manager. He is third on the all-time Premier League list behind Arsène Wenger with 828 games and Sir Alex Ferguson with 810, although the former Manchester United manager was also in charge of 225 matches in the old First Division.

“It’s incredible really,” said Moyes. “When you start out I don’t think you ever believe you’re going to become a Premier League manager but to get 700 games behind me is a fair achievement. There are two great managers ahead of me in Arsène and Alex but I don’t think I’ll be making their numbers, that’s for sure.”