The English Premiership side are entitled to compensation for the Aussie thanks to a FIFA rule that came into effect a few years ago. This is despite the fact Mooy turned down a contract offer at the end of last season, rather than opting to break it to join Saints (as if that would ever have happened!).
It had been hoped Saints and Bolton would be able to come to an agreement relatively easily, however it seems Bolton might want some cash - and Saints don't have any to offer.
Lennon said: "He is certainly the type of player that we want at this club but we are not in a financial position to be paying anyone and we were up front about that. If we can make it happen we will and we are working hard with the agent and there might be other ways around it but we certainly don't have money to pay.
"We will see how it progresses today but I would be pessimistic rather than optimistic. I'm not building myself up but if we get him it will be a real bonus for us. "
It would be a major blow to miss out on the under-20 Aussie cap as Mooy does seem a real talent from those who have seen him playing for Saints in bounce games. Let's hope this can all be resolved and he is soon playing for Saints.
Story source: Sporting Life