According to the latest reports from the Reading Chronicle, Celtic are linked with a move for Reading’s star centre back Liam Moore. The 26-year-old defender has been a massive player for the Royals in the past few seasons, and he won the Fans Player of the Season in 2017/18.
Moore was linked with a move away from the club last summer as well, but he stayed put at Madejski Stadium. However, this time, he could be tempted to move if a good offer comes his way. The defender came up from Leicester City’s academy and joined the Royals in 2016. The defender received an offer from Premier League club, Brighton, last summer where the bid was reportedly as high as £8m. Even that was rejected by Reading so Celtic will have to pay top money to sign him in the summer.
The English defender has made 124 appearances for Reading in the last three years. Reading finished 20th in the Championship last season and are miles away from challenging for the promotion spots. Therefore it would be tough for them to keep hold of their star players and we feel that Moore could move away from the club for bigger and better things.
Why Celtic need a defender?
The Bhoys recently parted ways with Dedryck Boyata who left on a free transfer to Hertha Berlin. The Belgian centre back played a massive role for the Glaswegian giants over the years, and Lennon has a big task on his hand to replace him. Filip Benkovic is also set to return to Leicester City as he was signed just on a season-long loan.
Brendan Rodgers might have indicated that he could send the defender once again on loan, but it remains to be seen whether something like that transpires or not.
What will Moore bring to the table?
The English defender has impressive overall qualities as he is strong and robust in his challenges, whether in the air or on the ground. Moore can read the dangers, and he is a committed defender who will always be willing to throw his body down the line to make crucial blocks and interceptions. He can definitely be a proper replacement for Boyata if the Bhoys manage to lure him to Scotland.
Can Celtic him?
Moore is contracted to stay at the club until 2023 so Reading are in a strong position to negotiate. Last summer we saw that even a bid of £8m wasn’t enough to lure him to the Premier League. Celtic might have to shell out over £10m to land him in the summer and with so many positions to look after; we feel that the Bhoys might be reluctant to spend that kind of money on a centre half.
