SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy has signed a three-year deal with Manchester City, moving from sister club Melbourne City, it was announced on Thursday.

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of Australia's top attacking midfielders in recent years, twice winning Melbourne City's Player of the Year award. During the last A-League season, he scored 11 times and contributed 21 assists - a record for the domestic league.

The Melbourne and Manchester clubs are both owned by Abu Dhabi-based City Football Group (CFG) and the Australian team's managing director Brian Marwood said it was great opportunity for Mooy.

"Aaron is an extremely talented player who possesses the attributes we hope to foster and encourage within the City Football Group," he said. "With the unique model CFG provides, Aaron's move to Manchester allows us to further expose him to a high standard of opportunities to ensure his professional growth."

In return, Melbourne City have gained Luke Brattan and Anthony Caceres on loan from Manchester City.