Brighton Bid For Liam Moore... Maybe?

As Reading’s Player of the Season and most valuable asset, Liam Moore was always going to attract interest from bigger clubs this summer, but I’m not sure anybody expected a potential exit to happen so early in the transfer window.

But if reports are to be believed, the central defender could depart for Brighton and Hove Albion, with Sky Sports claiming that an official, undisclosed bid has been made by the Seagulls. First suggestions of a move to the South Coast had been made a couple of hours earlier by Sun on Sunday reporter Mike McGrath.

However, Argus reporter Andy Naylor quickly dismissed the rumours, saying on Twitter:

“Seen the reports re: Liam Moore. My understanding is Albion have not made a bid.”

Brighton have already made two signings so far this summer, Leon Balogun and Florin Andone, so are apparently getting their business done earlier as they prepare for their second season in the Premier League.

The 4th Official on Twitter claim that Moore would be signed as a replacement for Connor Goldson who is likely to join Rangers. The aforementioned Balogun is also a centre-back, whilst Chris Hughton already has Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy as options at the heart of the defence.

You would hope that if Brighton did secure the services of Moore, Reading would receive a hefty fee, considering he only signed a new four-year contract last summer. The Royals have certainly kick-started the 25-year-old’s career and rediscovered his potential after a difficult few years at hometown club Leicester.

Would you blame him for moving on? Absolutely not. Moore has shown in two years in the blue and white hoops that he is more than capable of playing in the Premier League, giving 100% in virtually every game and never being afraid to put his body on the line. He has become a fan favourite and would be sorely missed, but when an opportunity to return to the top flight comes calling, it’s often hard to turn it down.

Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for more information as the story develops...

...including hasty edits when local journos deny the original story.