Harrison Armstrong makes Everton admission after supporters’ ‘special’ role in £40m U-turn

Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong has thanked supporters after their vocal protests helped prevent a £40m permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest in August. Owners The Friedkin Group were reportedly prepared to accept Forest's bid, but protests from traveling fans during a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth led the club to end negotiations. The 19-year-old stated that the fans' backing cemented Everton as the place he wants to be.

Armstrong delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Bournemouth despite the transfer speculation, earning praise from team-mate James Tarkowski. The England Under-21 international is now expected to be offered fresh contract terms under manager David Moyes after starting all six of Everton's unbeaten Premier League matches this season.