Sources: Everton's new Harrison Armstrong plan revealed after U-turn

Everton are planning talks over a new contract for midfielder Harrison Armstrong, sources have told Football Insider.

David Moyes is very happy to have kept hold of the 19-year-old, after the club hierarchy eventually rejected a £40million Nottingham Forest bid following a U-turn.

The Toffees are hopeful that their academy graduate can continue to impress and ultimately become a regular in the team this term.

If Armstrong can cement his place in the first-team squad, then sources say Everton have every intention of trying to tie him down to a new deal before next summer.

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.

Armstrong almost left the club in the final days of the window, but a strong reaction from the fans prompted Everton to knock back Forest's interest.

Harrison Armstrong set for transformative season

Armstrong has progressed through the ranks on Merseyside, and is undoubtedly Everton's brightest young academy talent at the moment.

Loans with Derby and Preston have helped him to progress dramatically in recent years, and he is now no stranger to Premier League action.

The youngster made 13 league appearances in the second half of last season, and has started in Everton's opening two league outings in 2026-27.

Armstrong is held in extremely high regard by Moyes, who has continued to give him sustained opportunities to impress in the middle of the park.

Everton are now hopeful that 2026-27 can be a true breakthrough campaign for the starlet, and he can cement himself in the starting XI.

If Armstrong can make strides towards that in the coming months, then there is a clear desire from Everton to tie him down to a new deal.

Nottingham Forest keen on James Garner

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Tuesday that fans "shouldn't be surprised" if Forest make an attempt to sign James Garner in the January transfer window.

The Reds failed to get the centre midfielder that they wanted this summer, and Brown insists that they remain huge admirers of Garner after his previous loan spell at the City Ground.

The England international recently penned a new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but that has done little to cool the interest in him from across the Premier League.

Garner has become one of Everton's most important players, and they may have a battle on their hands to keep hold of him this winter.