LIAM Moore stressed he is ready to step up to top-flight football if a Premier League team tries to lure him away from Madejski Stadium in January.

The 24-year-old stalwart has been linked with a move to David Moyes' West Ham United in recent weeks following a string of scintillating performances in a Reading shirt.

Boss Jaap Stam recently stated it could be tough to stand in Moore's way if a Premier League side comes knocking when the transfer window opens up next week.

Former Leicester City star Moore blasted Reading after a substandard performance against Burton Albion last week saw Royals crumble to a 2-1 defeat at Madejski Stadium.

Despite penning a fresh contract extension earlier this year, Moore stressed he made it abundantly clear to Royals' hierarchy he wants to play in the top-flight.

And he fuelled the rumours linking him with a move away from the club by putting his future in the club's hands.

"There has been quite a lot said about me," asserted Moore.

"I've been trying to play the best I can for long period of time now. I feel like my consistency has been up there.

"Everybody knows I want to play in the Premier League. I think everyone in this team does.

"If a team comes in for me then it's down to the club, the only thing I can control is how I play.

"I'm contracted, I said that I was happy to sign an extension but I've always made it blatantly clear that my aim is the Premier League.

"That's the ultimate dream, I had a crack there a few years ago and I feel like I have learned so much since then.

"I want to test myself at that level so what will be will be, it's down to the club.

"I got thrown in the deep end the first time but it made me stronger as a player.

"With the experience I've had with Stam and the little tips and the game time, I've learned so much and I feel like I can play at that level.

"But I have to prove it and someone has to believe that I can do that to take me there."

Royals' recent performances have been lacklustre at best following defeats to Burton Albion and Carabao Cup semi-finalists Bristol City.

Moore played a part in a freak goal at Madejski Stadium last week which saw his tackle ricochet off of Brewers' Tom Naylor and trickle into the back of the net.

And the 24-year-old said Royals will need to be wary of the teams behind them if they keep conceding sloppy goals.

He continued: "If we keep getting results like this then that's something you have to brace yourself for, but we don't want to be looking in that direction.

"I felt physically sick after the Burton game. I felt like we were going to win the game after the equaliser.

"The result was gutting. We've conceded some terrible goals recently."