da bet7： According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United have been scouting Reading centre-back Liam Moore ahead of a potential January move.
da mrbet： The Mirror says that a representative of the Irons watched the 24-year-old in
action in the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City at the Madejski Stadium on Monday night, with a view to making a move for the former Leicester City man in the New Year.
The report says that new Hammers boss David Moyes is keen to add two new central defenders to his squad when the transfer window opens in 2018, but he could face a fight to prise him away as Royals manager Jaap Stam wants to keep one of his key men.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s recent dismal run of form continued as they were beaten 1-0 by Everton at St James’ Park on Wednesday night, and the Magpies have now taken just one point from the last 24 available in the Premier League and lie one point above the relegation zone.
Rafa Benitez will already be thinking about adding new players to his squad during the January transfer window, and bringing Moore to Tyneside could prove to be a shrewd move.
Here are three reasons Newcastle should hijack West Ham’s bid to sign the centre-back…
Defensive frailties
The central defensive partnership of captain Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark looked strong early on in the season following an injury to summer signing Florian Lejeune on the opening day, but the backline has appeared much more frail during the recent poor run.
The absence of Lascelles for four matches through injury certainly hit the back four as Clark and Lejeune struggled, while Chancel Mbemba looks to be out of favour having failed to make the squad for the last two Premier League games despite playing the full 90 minutes against West Brom and Chelsea previously.
Benitez may feel that he needs extra competition in what is a vital position, and signing Moore could go some way to solving the current issue.
Moore’s qualities
The 24-year-old has played every single minute of Reading’s Championship campaign this season – 21 league matches – and he has shown his defensive and battling qualities throughout.
According to Squawka, the centre-back has won an impressive 75 aerial duels, while he has made 130 clearances, 32 interceptions and 16 blocks, and made more defensive actions per game on average than any of his teammates.
As well as his ability at the back, Moore has also shown how much of a threat he can be in the opposition’s penalty area too with three goals and two assists in the Championship this term.
Potential
While Moore has been an impressive performer for Reading in the Championship, Jaap Stam, David Moyes and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers – the Bhoys are also keen on the 24-year-old – all seem to believe that he has the potential and quality to play at a higher level.
Rafa Benitez will be looking for players that can not only help the team in the present in January, but also for the future too in the Premier League and Moore seems capable of doing that given his consistent and dominant displays at the back for the Royals.
Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.