Everton have performed a U-turn on Harrison Armstrong’s proposed sale.
Nottingham Forest emerged as suitors for the homegrown midfielder with a surprise bid in the region of £40 million which was entertained by club chiefs.
Armstrong was still selected by David Moyes for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, where travelling fans made their feelings abundantly clear.
Blues supporters cautioned owners The Friedkin Group they risked ‘a riot’ if the West Derby-born player was sold before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Moyes confirmed post-match at the Vitality Stadium that an offer had been received for Armstrong but was unable to indicate whether it would be accepted by the club.
“I know that there’s been an offer,” said the Everton manager.
“Apart from that, I don’t really think there’s much else I’ve got to say about it.
“It’s not really a question for just now. It’ll be a club decision (if he is sold).”
But that fan reaction is understood to have forced the American overlords to pull the plug on the player’s potential move to the City Ground.