Everton owners The Friedkin Group have scrapped teenager Harrison Armstrong's proposed move to Nottingham Forest after supporters threatened to riot over the transfer.
The Premier League club had initially accepted an offer of £35m plus £5m in add-ons from Forest for the 19-year-old midfielder, with the agreement also including a sell-on clause.
Armstrong had even been given permission to travel to Nottingham to complete the paperwork and finalize his move before the Everton hierarchy abruptly pulled the plug on the deal.
The sudden U-turn came after angry fans staged a loud protest during Everton's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
Supporters inside the stadium made their feelings clear to the board, chanting: "Don't sell Armstrong, I just don't think you understand... you're going to have a riot on your hands."
Supporter backlash stops midfield transfer
Everton manager David Moyes confirmed after the match that an official bid had been accepted for the 19-year-old academy graduate, who has already made 21 senior appearances since breaking into the first team.
"There’s been an offer," Moyes told reporters in his post-match press conference, before explaining that the ultimate call rested with the club's ownership.
"Apart from that I don’t think there’s much else I can say, it’s a club decision," the manager said. "We don’t want to lose anybody and we still need to add players to what we’ve got. I’ve been saying it for a while."
Asked directly about the chanting from the stands, Moyes acknowledged the strong reaction from fans while noting that club decision-makers often face complex choices.
"I think you always have to consider supporters," Moyes added. "There’s also times at clubs when people who are really powerful make difficult decisions. Not all decisions are popular. Sometimes they have to do it for different reasons."
Everton search for late defensive reinforcements
Following the decision to retain Armstrong, Everton are turning their attention toward strengthening other areas of the squad before the transfer window closes.
The Toffees are actively looking to bring in a new right-back before the deadline passes, with Fulham defender Kenny Tete identified as one of two options currently being considered by the club.
