Everton have 'clear plan' for Harrison Armstrong after deal collapse

Everton have a "clear plan" for Harrison Armstrong to be a key part of their starting XI after they blocked his move to Nottingham Forest.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season under David Moyes, and has started all three of their games so far against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Preston.

Everton had reportedly agreed a deal to sell the midfielder to Nottingham Forest, but made a U-turn on their decision following fan backlast and a behind-the-scenes meeting.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that he has heard "very good things" about Armstrong and that Everton have high hopes for his development.

While the reported £40million fee from Nottingham Forest would have been a boost to Everton's finances, keeping hold of their teenage sensation was seen as more important.

Armstrong is held in very high regard by the coaches at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and despite having considered letting him go, they believe he has an important role to play.

Why did Everton consider selling Harrison Armstrong?

Former Everton scout Bryan King told Football Insider that the Toffees would have been right to cash in on Armstrong given the money involved and his lack of experience.

The opportunity to make a £40million sale for a player who has made just 24 senior appearances for the club was seen as a positive one for the decision-makers at Everton.

However, fan backlash in the stands forced them to reconsider their plans, and having progressed through the club's academy, Armstrong is set to remain a key player.

"There was a big fee involved with Armstrong so of course it was considered," Brown told Football Insider.

"Ultimately, Everton made the decision not to sell him, and that should be the end of it because they rate him very highly there and they have high hopes for his development.

"I spoke to somebody who had watched him during his time at Preston, and they were very impressed by what they saw, so I went and had a look at him as well.

"Next thing I knew, he was back at Everton and playing in the Premier League, so it's obvious they think very highly of him.

"David Moyes is obviously a fan, he's started the first couple of games of the season, so there is a clear plan in place for him to be a regular in the starting XI.

"He's a local lad, came through the academy, and that's what fans want to see so in the end it's no surprise they weren't willing to let him go, even if that fee was tempting."

What do Everton now have planned for Armstrong?

After making efforts to keep Armstrong at the club following advanced talks with Nottingham Forest, questions are now being asked about his long-term role in the side.

The midfielder has enjoyed a strong start to the season, and at just 19 years old, there are high hopes for him to go from strength to strength with regular football.

As a result, Football Insider revealed on 2 September that Everton are planning to hold talks over a new contract for Armstrong as they aim to end any speculation.

Moyes is believed to be very keen to keep the midfielder around as part of his long-term plans, and there is now optimism he could commit his future to the Toffees.

The midfielder's current deal lasts until the summer of 2028, but it is understood that he would be keen to extend his stay at his boyhood club, with plans now being put in place.