Do reports indicate where Celtic stand in race for Premier League-linked Liam Moore?

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Celtic still hope to lure Reading defender Liam Moore to Parkhead in January – but appear to have identified cheaper alternatives.

Liam Moore may have failed to make the grade in his previous spell in the Premier League with Leicester City but his excellent form for Reading in the last two years means he has been lined up for a second chance in the top flight.

According to The Mirror, West Ham ran the rule over Moore in Reading’s 2-2 draw away at Cardiff City on Monday with David Moyes keen to add extra defensive options to his squad.

And despite Royals manager Jaap Stam making it clear that he does not want to lose the centre-back in January, it appears a matter of time before the Championship club is tested with a big-money bid.

The report adds that Celtic are still interested with Brendan Rodgers too in the market for a centre-back. But in recent days, alternative options have emerged – and it may be no coincidence that they would be far cheaper than Moore.

According to FootballGhana, Qadsia SC defender Rashid Sumaila is on Celtic’s radar while the Daily Record also tipped the Scottish champions to move for RB Leipzig’s £1 million-rated Marvin Compper (below) in the New Year.

Moore, in contrast, would take a far bigger chunk out of Celtic’s budget with The Mail claiming last month that he would cost around £5 million – making him the most expensive defender in The Hoops’ history.

And while Rodgers will have money to spend after Celtic’s £30 million Champions League windfall, you just wonder whether Reading’s hefty price-tag, in addition to interest from West Ham, has led The Hoops to consider better value options from elsewhere.