Bidding war looms for Aaron Mooy after Huddersfield Town’s promotion to English Premier League

A $20 million bidding war is set to erupt for Aaron Mooy after he secured a famous Championship playoff win for Huddersfield Town. So who’s lining up for the Socceroo?

Aaron Mooy’s manager expects the phone to start ringing. Picture: AFP

A $20 MILLION bidding war is set to erupt for Socceroo Aaron Mooy after he secured a famous Championship playoff win for Huddersfield Town.

Mooy was a standout in a cagey affair, creating the Terriers’ best chance before scoring an emphatic penalty in a 4-3 shootout win over Reading in front of 76,682 fans at Wembley Stadium.

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Premier League quartet Southampton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Brighton — along with a host of Championship clubs — are understood to be lining up bids for Mooy.

While Huddersfield have yet to make contact with Mooy’s agent Paddy Dominguez it is believed the Terriers, armed with a war chest after securing $300m Premier League promotion, will lodge a bid.

A stay at Manchester City is looking unlikely despite Pep Guardiola’s admiration for the midfielder.

Dominguez, who will meet Melbourne City’s Manchester-based football chief Brian Marwood tomorrow, said Mooy spent last night soaking up a stunning debut season.

Aaron Mooy (far right) and his Huddersfield Town teammates lift the Championship Playoff trophy. Picture: AFP

“After the game was the first time Aaron took a moment to absorb what’s happened. He sat back and took a long look down the path he’s walked down and couldn’t believe it,’’ Dominguez told the Herald Sun.

“Talks will happen quite quickly. First Manchester City, if they are willing to sell Aaron, will come up with a valuation.

“Nobody from Huddersfield has been in contact. I would be extremely surprised if somebody didn’t reach out.

“I have been negotiating with people over the past couple of weeks because there’s been plenty of interest in Aaron since December.

“I will sit down with Manchester City and discuss his future. Brian has been very supportive. From Aaron’s side of the fence, it’s a World Cup year so it’s very important for him to play at a World Cup, so he has to take that into account.’’

Mooy and Huddersfield’s German manager David Wagner would love to stay together in the Premier League after their stunning union.

Mooy’s four goals, 10 assists and countless passes sealed the Terriers’ player of the year crown and a spot in the Championship team of the season.

Mooy has been valued at $17.24 million (GBP10m) and that could rise to $20.7m (GBP12m), but the former Melbourne City midfielder wanted to continue playing regularly in 2017-18.

“Every year, I always want to play. I’m happiest in my life when I’m playing football so of course I want to play,” Mooy said.

“People from City are constantly in touch with me, see how I’m going and tell me how I’m going but he (Guardiola) obviously has a lot on his plate.

“It’s not in my hands. I just have to try my best and that’s what I’ve always done.’’