Everton manager Sean Dyche is optimistic about a potential boost to his squad as Armando Broja edges closer to making his debut ahead of their weekend clash with Manchester United.

The 23-year-old Albania international, on loan from Chelsea, has not yet featured this season due to an Achilles injury he carried when he joined the club in late August. However, Broja played 45 minutes for Everton's under-21 side on Monday night, and his progress will be further assessed after another appearance for the youngsters against Nottingham Forest on Friday.

"We're making progress," said Dyche. "AB [Broja] will get more minutes again today, as will Youssef Chermiti as he continues his journey back to full fitness, which is encouraging. AB is ahead of Youssef in his recovery. This is really just the starting point for Youssef, but AB is looking very fit.

"We’ll see how Broja performs today. He has put in a lot of work in the background, and I’ve spoken to him about the possibility of being involved [against United]."

Everton have struggled offensively this season, managing just 10 goals in 12 league matches – a tally only better than bottom-side Southampton. The Toffees have failed to score in their last three games and have netted just three times in their last six matches.

Main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not scored in his last eight games, having last found the net in mid-September. Leading scorer Dwight McNeil has not added to his three Premier League goals since the end of that month, while striker Beto has only managed eight substitute appearances in the league, with his sole goal coming as a late equaliser against Fulham in October.

With financial restrictions limiting Everton's ability to strengthen the squad in January, Dyche is focused on internal improvement.

"You can’t transform things overnight unless you have an enormous budget – and even then, they tried that here before, and it didn’t go particularly well," Dyche admitted. "It’s not easy. Most clubs buy strikers; it’s rare to develop them. We’re working hard to develop the strikers we have to help them become even better because I believe they are good strikers.

"It requires consistent work without overcomplicating things for the strikers, but that 'moment of truth' in front of goal is always difficult to coach."

Meanwhile, Everton have announced season-ticket prices for their inaugural campaign at the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The cheapest adult ticket will be £640, up from the £555 charged for the final season at Goodison Park. The club, however, highlighted that the move will eliminate obstructed-view seats and offer fans a "revolutionised matchday experience."