Reading could face a serious fight this January to keep hold of key defender Liam Moore.

Reports from Scotland have already suggested that the centre-back is the number one January target for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers.

However, according to the Mail there is also a strong Premier League interest in Moore with West Ham joining Stoke and West Brom in tracking the ex-Leicester man.

New Hammers boss David Moyes is believed to have identified the heart of the defence as an area West Ham need to improve and it’s easy to see why as the Londoners have one of the worst defensive records in the league.

As well as that, the former Everton boss will look to add youth to an ageing backline. The likes of Jose Fonte, Pablo Zabaleta and James Collins are all part of the squad and Moyes believes some younger players will freshen things up.

Of course, Reading will be reluctant to sell Moore given his importance to the team. The Royals are 19th in the league and don’t look like replicating last season’s play-off finish.

The Verdict

Jaap Stam won’t like the rumours that keep surfacing surround Liam Moore. The defender is influential for Reading and would be difficult to replace.

However, his quality means he would inevitably attract interest. The Royals position may make it harder for them to keep the defender, who would surely be interested in a move to the Premier League or European football that Celtic offer.

The 24-year old will be playing in the Premier League again at some point and it will take a lot for Reading to convince him to prolong his stay at the Madejski Stadium beyond January.

Thoughts, Reading fans? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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