Sydney FC midfielder Cameron Peupion admits the presence of Aaron Mooy could sway his decision to join Brighton.

The Argus says Peupion is reported to be closing on a move to Albion's academy, despite interest from elsewhere, by sources in his home city.

The 17-year-old playmaker said: “He's always been a player I've looked up to and admired, so when he came up and said hello and had a bit of chat it was quite special.

“We share the same agent and Aaron was told there was an Aussie boy coming town, and he took me under his wing a little bit.

“I also got to meet Mat Ryan a couple of times, and those boys were really good to me."