Everton block Harrison Armstrong sale and advance talks for Jack Grealish return

Supporters block Armstrong departure

Everton have decided against selling 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest after calling off negotiations on Sunday. Nottingham Forest had submitted a £40m offer for the England Under-19 international prior to Everton's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday. Travelling supporters at the Vitality Stadium voiced strong opposition to the prospective deal throughout the match, singing to the tune of Achy Breaky Heart that the club hierarchy would face a riot if the academy graduate departed. Armstrong started the match, marking his 24th appearance for Everton, and played 87 minutes before being substituted for Charly Alcaraz. Following the final whistle, Armstrong applauded the away supporters and received support from teammates James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. Manager David Moyes noted that club leadership must weigh fan sentiments against institutional choices.

I think you always have to consider supporters; supporters aren't always wrong.

Grealish pursued for Merseyside return

With Armstrong remaining at Finch Farm, Everton have turned attention toward incoming options ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline. The club entered advanced discussions with Manchester City regarding a loan return for 30-year-old winger Jack Grealish. Grealish spent the 2025–2026 campaign on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium, collecting the Premier League player-of-the-month award in August before a stress fracture in his foot sustained in January limited him to 22 appearances, two goals, and six assists. Grealish cost City a club-record £100m in 2021 and contributed to their 2023 Treble before falling down the pecking order. The winger has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and an agreement with Everton would conclude his Manchester City tenure. Aston Villa and Sunderland have also shown interest in the attacker.

Tottenham swap dynamic with Ndiaye and Richarlison

Parallel negotiations involving Tottenham Hotspur have structured a dual exchange between the two clubs before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday. Tottenham reached an agreement in principle on Sunday to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, who had previously been linked with Manchester City. In a corresponding transaction, Everton secured an agreement in principle to bring Brazilian forward Richarlison back to Merseyside. Richarlison previously spent four years at Everton before transferring to Tottenham in the summer of 2022. Moyes has repeatedly stated that Everton must retain strength across the pitch rather than diminish squad quality. Chief executive Angus Kinnear indicated that club owners The Friedkin Group are targeting European qualification this season, necessitating experienced reinforcements.

Manchester City restructuring across summer window

The negotiations for Grealish take place during substantial turnover inside Manchester City's squad. City have already sanctioned the exits of key players this summer, including Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and John Stones. In attack, Brazilian winger Savio moved to Tottenham in a transfer valued at up to £85m, while forward Omar Marmoush joined Tottenham on loan. To replenish their forward line, Manchester City have held discussions to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who was also tracked by Tottenham. Grealish made substitute appearances for City in the 3-0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal and a 2-1 league victory over Bournemouth, but was omitted entirely from the squad for Friday's 4-1 win at Crystal Palace.