Everton have called off a proposed deal to sell midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest following a backlash from the club's supporters.
Forest made a bid of £40m plus a potential sell-on clause for the England Under-19 international, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Finch Farm in recent years.
The news enraged Everton supporters, who sang Armstrong's name throughout Saturday's draw at Bournemouth and said there would be a "riot" if he was sold.
Everton's board, led by chair Dan Friedkin, eventually decided to reject Forest's bid – with the owner at the forefront of the discussions.
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Armstrong has made 24 appearances for Everton and played 87 minutes against the Cherries before he was replaced by Charly Alcaraz.
Speaking after the game Toffees boss David Moyes said he understood the fans' frustration and appeared to suggest the decision was out of his hands.
"I think you always have to consider supporters; supporters aren't always wrong," Moyes.
"But then there are also times where I've had people at clubs who are really powerful and make difficult decisions.
"Managers have to make decisions on players sometimes and they feel like huge decisions. But there are sometimes bigger decisions to be made and the club will, I'm sure, make what they think is the right one.
"If I'd say something to them (the fans), I'd say their manager's an Evertonian."
Analysis: Everton owners try to head off open revoltEverton's decision to reject Nottingham Forest's offer for teenager Harrison Armstrong has headed off the possibility of open revolt against owners The Friedkin Group from a furious fanbase.
The revelation that Everton had received a £40m bid from Forest for the gifted 19-year-old, and it was under consideration, sparked an instant backlash from fans angry at the idea the club's best homegrown product for years could be sold.
Instead, after a day of drama on and off the field, Everton's board - led by chairman and billionaire owner Dan Friedkin - decided to unanimously reject Forest's approach and keep Armstrong.
Everton's fans made their feelings clear during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. The reaction was so loud, and toxic, that it is sure to have been heard by Everton's delegation at The Vitality Stadium and relayed back to the hierarchy in the United States.
It is highly unlikely to be coincidence that a deal that looked to be advancing was then stopped in its tracks.
And it will also pacify manager David Moyes, whose mood looked ominous post-match at Bournemouth, as he will now keep a young talent regarded as a key part of the club's future.
Everton's supporters may reluctantly accept that important players could be prised away by clubs such as Manchester City - who have shown an interest in Iliman Ndiaye - but the notion of Nottingham Forest being able to do the same added another layer to their fury.
Forest are one of the club's Everton and their fans would hope to surpass, not bolster them by selling one of their crown jewels to them.
For The Friedkin Group, it is a PR catastrophe avoided.
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