READING FC have dropped their tag of a 'selling team' with the club holding firm on their stance over sought-after defender Liam Moore, writes Courtney Friday.

Chasers Brighton & Hove Albion appear to have turned their focus elsewhere after Royals turned down a number of hefty bids for the 25-year-old.

As we understand it, Albion's latest offer included an £8m down payment plus extra in add-ons.

But Royals were holding out for closer to £15m for their star man, and it appears that they have stood their ground - for now at least.

It would seem that the days of selling players for half their value because Royals need to pay the bills are well behind Reading FC.

Selling Adam Le Fondre to "pay the tax man", as he put it himself, springs to mind.

There are other examples too, telling Gylfi Sigurdsson he was being shipped off to Germany because Royals could not turn the bid down.

Moore joined Royals as a relatively risky signing following former boss Jaap Stam's arrival at Madejski Stadium.

Reading Chronicle:

Moore comes to Royals' rescue

Reading shelled out around £1.5m for the centre-half, who had barely kicked a football after falling out of favour at Leicester and an unsuccessful loan spell in Bristol.

But legendary Stam saw something in Moore, and he was bang on the money.

The Loughborough-born player quickly established himself as one of the best defenders outside of the Premier League and a vital cog in Reading's side.

Fearless Moore's tough tackles, bullet headers and composure at the back even saw him crowned Reading's latest player-of-the-season award.

The 25-year-old has never hidden his desire to make it back to the top-flight, having also been linked with a move to West Ham United last season.

Moore should be commended for his professionalism, he has not once thrown his toys out of the pram or demanded Reading accept a bid. He has left it down to the club to make an informed decision.

Of course, every footballer has his price, and I have no doubt that if Royals received what they deemed to be an acceptable bid for Moore, they would let him go.

But the fact they are sticking to their guns this time is a very promising sign for supporters.