Nottingham Forest now ‘working’ on deal to sign £40m midfielder

Nottingham Forest have just days to complete their transfer business and that’s set to make for the most hectic end to the transfer window. The Midlands club, under Oliver Glasner, have been left scrambling for final reinforcements.

Having already signed Liam Delap for a club-record fee, Forest are expected to return to the Premier League market in an attempt to strengthen even further.

There is even a reunion on the cards between Daniel Munoz and Glasner. Forest have got the Crystal Palace defender in their sights and the fact that he didn’t play a part in the Eagles’ 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City was certainly telling.

He’s not the only Premier League player on their radar, however. As they look to welcome the second midfielder that they’ve been after all summer, Forest have also got Harrison Armstrong in their sights.

The Everton youngster has caught the eye ever since returning from a loan spell at Preston North End back in January and could now be on the move.

Armstrong earned plenty of plaudits during that loan spell at Preston, with manager Paul Heckingbottom telling reporters when the teenager first joined: “Harrison is a special talent who we’re really excited to be bringing on board.”

It wasn’t so long ago that Forest were welcoming a young midfielder from the Premier League in the form of Elliot Anderson. Now, they’re looking to land the next big thing for a second time.

Nottingham Forest ‘working’ on Harrison Armstrong deal

REUTERS/Paul Childs

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Nottingham Forest are now ‘working’ on a deal to sign Armstrong from Everton, who value their young midfielder at £40m.

It would be a hefty deal for an unproven star, but Forest clearly see the potential beyond the fee. With days left until the window slams shut, the 19-year-old could become the second-most expensive player in the club’s history.

It would come as no surprise if it was the Crystal Palace game that convinced Forest. Armstrong was excellent as Everton secured an opening day victory and what really stood out was his ability to recover possession.

Anderson was unmatched in that department last season. No outfield player completed more recoveries than the £116m man in the Premier League or in Europe, for that matter, and replacing him with what would become Forest’s biggest ever midfield signing would certainly quiet the concerns about that area of the squad.

Armstrong, however, proved that he could match that trait every step of the way. And as Xaver Schlager remains on the fringes of Glasner’s side, the addition of a ready-made Anderson replacement couldn’t be better timed.

The clock is ticking, however, and Forest must agree a deal sooner rather than later if they are to sign the teenager.