Mooy in no rush to follow the money

Aaron Mooy is on track to become Huddersfield Town's $32 million man as the Premier League newcomers bid to lock in their star midfielder until the remainder of the season, at the very least.

Aaron Mooy Source: Getty Images

Signed from Manchester City for $16 million after lighting up the Championship on loan, the Socceroos' master of ceremonies, has already been showered by plaudits just three games into his top flight tenure, with Premier League legends Thierry Henry and Phil Neville chief among those extolling Mooy's virtues.

Neville believes a number of "bigger clubs" could test Huddersfield's resolve by making a play for Mooy during the January transfer window.

But, no matter who might come calling, it's understood that the Terriers may not have to fight too hard to hold on their talisman, who will be rated in the $32 million range should he carry his electrifying early season form into the New Year.

The reason is simple: Mooy's' desire to maintain his momentum by playing each week at club level far outweighs his desire to push for a switch to a more salubrious cashed-up suitor where he might be relegated to simply a squad player, despite pocketing a hefty pay rise.

All of which will be music to the ears of Terriers coach David Wagner, as Mooy  prepares to take a key role in unlocking Thailand's defense in Tuesday night's win-at-all-costs World Cup qualifier in Melbourne.

Mooy, who missed last Thursday's damaging 2-0 defeat in Japan with a stomach bug, is among the nominees for the Premier League's goal of the month for his wonder finish against Newcastle United for third-placed Huddersfield.

And if money were his mantra, he would have taken the offer of an extra $18,000-a-week from an Premier League rival in June, rather than opting to return to the John Smith's stadium as a permanent signing when Manchester City put him up the sale.

That decision was a pledge of loyalty to the Yorkshire club's fans and Wagner's vision for the club - and proof positive that Mooy is keen to consolidate and evolve rather than attempt to rush his pursuit of the next career landmark.

While Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and West Ham United all tabled bids prior to the 27 year old penning a three-year Terriers contract, bigger players will assuredly enter the marketplace in January should he continue to prosper.

City, who are still scouting Mooy's every performance, have a $40 million buy-back clause, should they choose to gazump the field in a potential bidding war for the man who will today be far more concerned with helping Australia reach Russia 2018 than worrying about any machinations and calculations over his potential worth.