Everton have called off a proposed deal to sell midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest following a backlash from the club’s supporters.

Forest made a bid of £40m plus a potential sell-on clause for the England Under-19 international, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Finch Farm in recent years.

The news enraged Everton supporters, who sang Armstrong’s name throughout Saturday’s draw at Bournemouth and said there would be a “riot” if he was sold.

The Toffees board have now unanimously decided that the 19-year-old will remain at Hill Dickinson Stadium.