The 20-year-old Australian midfielder has been searching for a new club since rejecting a new contract offer from Bolton Wanderers in the European summer citing a desire to play regular football.

After unsuccessful trials on the continent, Mooy recently found his way to Scotland where he was given a chance by St Mirren boss Danny Lennon in a trial match against Kilmarnock last month before injury intervened.

But after recovering from injury, Mooy was involved in a bounce game on Thursday against Morton which ended 2-2 and sources told au.fourfourtwo.com the Aussie impressed, almost grabbing a late winner when he cracked a long-range shot into the woodwork.

And Lennon told Express Sports the Sydney-born youngster would be a valuable addition to his side.

"I kept an eye on him throughout the match and was delighted with what he offered," he said.

"He's a good player and will bring something different to the side. He's certainly got talent and I don't think he'd look out of place in our squad."

He added: "Aaron was doing well in the Killie match before picking up a knock. It was frustrating for both of us but I made it clear that I was keen to take another look at him.

"When we fixed up the game with Morton, I checked up on his fitness and he was raring to go."

The two parties entered talks about a contract on Friday, but Lennon stressed it was still "early days".

"It's the first opportunity I've had to chat properly with Aaron and his agent," he said.

"Sometimes, things can happen quickly but, other times, it takes a little longer. We'll wait and see."

Lennon had told the Paisley Daily Express earlier in the week he was in no rush to bolster his squad despite the Buddies sitting in bottom spot on the SPL table.

St Mirren have also been trialing 22-year-old Australian defender Manny Giannaros.

Giannaros is formerly of Central Coast Mariners youth team and Sydney Olympic.