Nottingham Forest have made an ambitious approach for Everton’s 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong, reportedly preparing a £40m offer plus a possible sell-on clause. The proposal would test Everton’s resolve over one of their most highly regarded home-grown players and could become a significant early decision for the club’s owners, the Friedkin Group.

Armstrong has made 23 Everton appearances and started last week’s 2-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Everton have given no indication that they will sell, but supporters have reacted angrily to the prospect, particularly amid manager David Moyes’s frustration over limited summer recruitment and reports linking creator Iliman Ndiaye with Manchester City.