West Ham are continuing to scout Reading centre-back Liam Moore ahead of a potential January move, according to the Mirror.
The report claims that West Ham scouts attended the Royals’ 2-2 draw with Cardiff on Monday, in order to weigh up an approach for the 24-year-old.
David Moyes is said to be keen on bringing in defensive reinforcements in January and has his sights on Moore as one of two possible January signings, with the Hammers currently holding the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League.
Moore has reportedly caught the eye of Hammers scouts with his impressive performances for Reading this year, with Celtic also said to be keen on the player.
Good move for West Ham?
Moore has flourished at the Madejski since his move from Leicester in the summer of 2016, and now looks ready for a return to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old is thriving under the tutelage of manager Jaap Stam, and would be a solid signing for West Ham as they look to shore up their defence.
However, Moyes has spoken of the need to bring in players who will make an instant impact, and it is unsure whether Moore is in that bracket.
He may need a few weeks to get up to speed with the greater quality of the Premier League, but once he does that then the Hammers would have a promising player on their hands.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
There are two factors that would suggest a move for Moore will not be easy for Moyes and West Ham.
Firstly, Moore is highly-coveted. Celtic are said to be interested in his signature, and there are surely more clubs waiting in the wings if he does decide to leave the Royals.
Secondly, Stam seems pretty adamant that Moore will not leave the club any time soon.
He said, as quoted by the Mirror: “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.”
This is Futbol rating: 3/10