West Ham United are tracking Reading defender Liam Moore and some sources are claiming that the Hammers are now plotting a move for the centre-back when the transfer window opens next month. Moore has been a regular starter for the Royals this season and West Ham boss David Moyes is now ready to submit a bid for him in January.
The London club has kept a keen eye on his performances this season and has closely monitored him during Reading’s 2-2 stalemate with promotion-chasing Cardiff on Monday. A recent report has suggested that West Ham are looking for two new January additions at the heart of their defence with one of them being Moore, who has excited them so far.
The 24-year-old has been in terrific form for Reading this season under manager and former centre-back, Jaap Stam following his arrival from Leicester City in August 2016. He signed a new four year deal with the Royals in the summer and now, clubs are lining up for his signature in January. Celtic have also joined in on the hunt for the defender’s signature but it will be a tough task to prise him away from the Madejski Stadium.
When asked to address the centre-back’s future, Reading boss Jaap Stam said, “Let me put it like this. If you want to build a club and go somewhere you’re not going to sell one of your best players. If he is mentioned I can understand that because he has got the ability – like other players in the squad – to step up. That’s how it goes if you’re doing well.”
Liam Moore has featured in 23 matches for the Royals in this campaign and has scored 3 goals and made 2 assists in the process. He has turned out to be one of the first names who Reading manager Jaap Stam would put in his team-sheet due to his consistency. Reading has conceded 26 goals in 21 league matches and has found themselves far away from the relegation zone in 14th place and part of it is down to his defensive capabilities.
West Ham United are desperate to add some quality to their squad next month in order to save themselves from a possible relegation. The Hammers are currently in 19th place in the Premier League standings just a point off safety going into a match versus Arsenal on Wednesday night. They have shipped in 32 goals in 16 league matches so it is no wonder that David Moyes is desperate to add to his squad next month.
It remains to be seen whether they are successful in their attempts to secure Moore’s services in January.
