Liam Moore (Getty Images)
According to Daily Record, Celtic have targeted Reading stalwart Liam Moore in a bid to enhance their defence before the transfer window closes.
The report suggests that the Championship side are willing to offload the high earners in the squad due to the financial crisis and Moore is one of those who could leave. The report also claims that he is valued at £4.5m but Reading are willing to negotiate.
Born in England, Moore came through the youth ranks of Leicester City but could manage to make just 67 appearances for with the senior team. He spent most of his Foxes career on loan with clubs like Bradford, Brentford and Bristol City before moving to Madjeski Stadium on a permanent basis in August 2016.
He immediately established himself as a key figure in the squad and has been consistent for the Royals in the last four seasons. He was also handed the captain’s armband last season by previous manager Jose Gomes. The central defender has made 181 appearances for Reading to date.
At the moment, four centre-backs are available at Neil Lennon’s disposal. Christopher Jullien and Kristoff Ajer have been brilliant in the heart of the Hoops’ defence, having formed a strong partnership. They managed to concede just 19 goals in the 2019/20 campaign and were instrumental in the league-winning campaign.
Jozo Simunovic hasn’t featured regularly and the Croatian looks set to leave this summer and Hatem Abd Elhamed, who is a central defender by trade, seems to be comfortable on the right side of the defence. This leaves them with limited options in the heart of the defence. Thus, they should consider signing a centre-back at the earliest.
In that regard, Moore would be a viable option for the club. Since his arrival at Reading, he has been a constant presence, featuring in more than 35 games in each of the campaigns. His consistency could be a massive boon for Lennon, who could easily rotate his squad and rest his players at regular intervals.
The 27-year-old has been reliable in the last few years and his inclusion would also bring healthy competition for Jullien and Ajer at the back. Moreover, he could also provide them with some much-needed depth if Simunovic moves away from the club.
With limited options at the back, Celtic could struggle if any of their main defenders get injured or needs rest. Thus, signing Moore would be a wise decision as he has got the experience to settle down in any conditions.
