Nottingham Forest are in discussions with Everton over a deal worth £40m for 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong as they continue rebuilding their squad following the sale of Elliot Anderson.
Armstrong, who came through Everton’s academy, started in their match against Crystal Palace last week. Forest’s interest comes as they seek to strengthen their midfield before the transfer deadline.
Everton’s owners, the Friedkin Group, could face a backlash from supporters if Armstrong and forward Iliman Ndiaye were both sold so close to the deadline without the club bringing in players of sufficient quality.
Ndiaye is a target for Manchester City, while Forest’s approach for Armstrong would represent a significant move for a player who has only recently established himself in Everton’s first-team plans.
Forest are also exploring other midfield options. They have asked Tottenham about a loan deal for Pape Matar Sarr that would include an option to buy. Sarr is also attracting interest from Monaco.
The club remain in talks with Corinthians over 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andre, meaning Forest are considering several possible deals as they attempt to reshape their midfield.
They are also close to agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace for Daniel Munoz. Forest submitted a £22m offer for the player earlier this week and negotiations are now at an advanced stage, with the two clubs working towards a conclusion.
Forest’s immediate attention, however, is on Saturday’s lunchtime trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
New signing Liam Delap is expected to be among the substitutes, while summer arrival Xaver Schlager is set to come into the side in place of Ibrahim Sangare, who has suffered an injury.
Forest manager Oliver Glasner said on Friday that the club were hoping to complete two further signings, although he stressed that the Liverpool fixture was the priority before the transfer discussions resume.
“I think we will add two players. Close deals, quite close to be done, but now our focus is on the Liverpool match.
“That is the most important thing in the next 30 hours and then we have three more days to get the deals over the line.”
Forest’s pursuit of Armstrong is part of a broader recruitment push following Anderson’s departure. Alongside the talks with Everton, the proposed move for Munoz and enquiries about Sarr and Andre show the club are continuing to work on several fronts before the deadline.
Everton, meanwhile, must weigh the financial appeal of a £40m offer against the reaction from supporters should they lose Armstrong and Ndiaye in the closing stages of the window. Any decision over Armstrong will be closely watched given his status as a homegrown player and his recent involvement in the first team.
