BRIGHTON & Hove Albion have reportedly cooled their pursuit of Reading FC defender Liam Moore.

The centre-back, who was crowned Royals' player-of-the-year last season, has been subject to rife transfer speculation this summer.

Royals had received a number of bids for their star man but Chris Hughton's offerings fell short of Royals' valuations.

Now, reports suggest The Seagulls have pulled out of negotiations after failing to agree on a fee with Reading.

The Chronicle understands Royals were looking for a bid of around £15m for the 25-year-old former Leicester City defender.

Loughborough-born Moore joined Reading under former boss Jaap Stam in 2016 having fallen out of favour at Kingpower Stadium.

He quickly established himself as a key part of Stam's side and is now considered to be one of the best defenders outside of the Premier League.

Moore, who was also once linked with a move to West Ham United, penned a new long-term deal at Madejski Stadium last year.

But the defender reiterated his desire to one day get back to the Premier League, although he stressed he wanted to get there with Royals.

Boss Paul Clemently recently insisted he is determined to keep Moore, who he sees as a vital part of his first-team plans.

Royals meanwhile have also been linked with a swoop for Lamine Kone of Sunderland.

Paul Clement has already brought in former Sunderland player John O'Shea, who was due to report for pre-season training today (Monday, July 2).

However, with Brighton reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Moore, it is unlikely Royals will pursue their interest in 29-year-old Kone.

Clement stated last week: "As we speak we have four central defenders in John O’Shea, Liam Moore, Paul McShane and Tiago Ilori.

“If that stays as it is there won’t be a need to bring in another centre-back. But if that changes then it’s a different situation.”