Nottingham Forest have launched an ambitious bid to sign Everton's teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong.

Forest are keen to strengthen before the end of the transfer window and, as reported by The Athletic, are preparing to offer £40m plus a potential sell-on clause to clinch a deal for Armstrong.

It would be a major surprise should Everton sanction a deal, but there is hope at Forest that they can pull off the move to prise away the elegant England under-19 star, who is regarded as having a big future ahead of him.

Armstrong, 19, has made 23 appearances for Everton and started in their 2-0 Premier League win against Crystal Palace last week.

As yet, there are no indications as to whether Everton will agree to sell, but there is sure to be an angry reaction from supporters, while manager David Moyes has also been frustrated by the transfer market this summer.

Moyes made it clear after the Carabao Cup second-round win at Preston North End that wanted more quality in his squad, with the clear hope Everton's American owners the Friedkin Group would provide backing for further incomings.

Since then, however, Everton's main creator Iliman Ndiaye has been heavily linked with Manchester City, and now Forest are ready to test their resolve over Armstrong.