Everton call off Armstrong sale after fan backlash

Everton have cancelled a £40m deal to sell midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest after fan protests. The 19-year-old England Under-19 international is considered one of the brightest prospects to come from the club's Finch Farm academy. Fans, enraged by the proposed sale, chanted Armstrong's name during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday and threatened to riot if he were transferred.

Everton's board, under chair Dan Friedkin, ultimately rejected Forest's offer, with Friedkin playing a key role in the decision. Manager David Moyes acknowledged fan frustration and suggested the club had to consider supporters' feelings, though it was ultimately out of his hands to make the final decision. The rejection of the Forest bid has defused potential unrest among Everton supporters and avoided a public relations disaster for the Friedkin Group, who own the club.