West Ham supporters have been somewhat more upbeat in the Transfer Tavern in recent times following their side’s slight upturn in form, which has seen them draw with Leicester City and beat Chelsea under new manager David Moyes.

The former Everton and Manchester United boss replaced the sacked Slaven Bilic during the November international break following the Croat’s sluggish start to the season, which saw the East London outfit lodged inside the bottom three upon his departure. Yet things have improved slightly over recent games with a draw at home to Leicester followed by a spirited display in defeat at Manchester City, before Moyes got his first win in charge with an excellent 1-0 success over champions Chelsea last weekend.

Thus, there have been a few more optimistic Hammers fans in the Tavern in recent times, although many still feel that more additions are needed in January to pull their team out of the relegation mire.

And one man they have been linked with in recent times is Reading defender Liam Moore, who was also on the radar of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic earlier in the season as they also seek to bolster their defensive ranks.

The 24-year-old has been impressive for the Royals ever since making the move to the Madejski Stadium back in 2016, helping them reach the Championship play-off final last term before succumbing to Huddersfield Town at Wembley.

And his fine exploits in the heart of Jaap Stam’s backline has reportedly attracted the attention of Moyes’ Hammers, who simply must beat Celtic to the centre-back’s signature in January if they are to boost their chances of staying in the Premier League.

Ultimately, the East London outfit must improve defensively if they are to stay in the top-flight - Moyes’ men have conceded 32 goals in their 16 Premier League games so far, a tally only better than Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, who have shipped 36 goals.

And with the likes of Jose Fonte and James Collins above the age of 30, and Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid fast approaching that mark, more pace is certainly needed in that backline, which is something Moore has.

Add in his overall defensive strength, be it in the air or on the ground, as well as a calmness and composure to bring the ball out with his feet, a key component of Stam’s philosophy at Reading, and the Englishman appears to be the ideal signing for Moyes’ side.

The 24-year-old has undoubtedly proven his capabilities at Championship level, and while the Premier League is a step up, it’s a step up many feel a player of the calibre of Moore’s could make seamlessly.

And with the reservations remaining about the strength and competitiveness of the Scottish Premiership, a move to West Ham would also represent a step up in Moore’s career progression as well, with a top-flight move something the defender has spoken about in recent times.

As such, it’s a move Moyes’ men must make in January if they are to enhance their survival prospects in the second half of the season.

West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!