Ex-scout can't believe Everton rejected chance to sell 'unknown' for £15m more than Djed Spence
Everton would have been making a good sale if they had sold Harrison Armstrong for £40million, despite the controversy that ultimately prevented it.
That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Toffees were in advanced talks to sell the 19-year-old to Nottingham Forest for big money before news broke of the ongoing negotiations.
Everton fans reacted angrily and chanted against the potential sale in the stands as their team drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, with Armstrong ultimately now set to stay on Merseyside.
The midfielder has started all three of the Toffees' games so far this season and looks to be a superb talent, having impressed in the Championship last season for Preston North End.
The teenager's contract is due to expire in 2028, but he is reportedly keen to extend his stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
'Explain to me how Harrison Armstrong is a £40m player'
When news emerged of the bid for Armstrong, many fans drew comparison to Nottingham Forest's move for Elliott Anderson.
The Tricky Trees bought the young midfielder from Newcastle United for just £35m before ultimately selling him for £116m to Manchester City.
Everton do not want to be on the end of a loss like that, but £40m for an unproven player had certainly tempted decision-makers.
"Can somebody explain to me how Harrison Armstrong is a £40m player and [Djed] Spence is a £25m player? Harrison Armstrong's 19. Good young player," King told Football Insider.
"He's played 24 senior games for Everton. Now, at the end of the day, that would have been good business. I don't think the [Iliman] Ndiaye or Richarlison business would've been good business.
"This would have been good business. But I think the Everton supporters are decent judges of footballers, aren't they? I mean, he's only 19 and if he's worth that kind of money, then he should be in your starting XI, shouldn't he?"
What Armstrong has said about his Everton future
As Everton fans chanted against Bournemouth after Saturday's game, Armstrong looked on with confidence.
News would emerge later that the 19-year-old had chosen to stay with the Toffees regardless of any potential agreement with Nottingham Forest.
"I think I know the quality I possess. It’s down to me when I get my opportunities to take them and make the most of them," Armstrong said in August.
"If I do that then I can’t see why I can’t stay in the team but I’m obviously aware of the quality that the other players possess. It’s a team sport and we push each other in training every day, making sure we get the best out of each other.”