As revealed by Fairfax Media on Friday, the Tasmanian bid gathered significant financial and political support to its hopes of being part of expansion with the federal government putting pressure on the Lowy family to consider the state as part of a broader competition. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman, federal MP Andrew Wilkie and the City of Hobart have joined forces with a bid led by wealthy businessmen Harry Stamoulis and Robert Belteky as well as local former NSL star David Clarkson.

While yet to convince Football Federation Australia's senior management, the bid is looking to further strengthen its submission to the governing body's board by forming a preliminary football department that could include a coach as well as their guarantees of player development networks in Australia and South America. It's understood Brazilian-based agent Steve Panopoulos – a former South Melbourne teammate of Clarkson – is the latest major figure to come on board with the Tasmanian bid, where he will play a major role in any recruitment for the club if granted a licence.

The FFA confirmed the A-League will expand to a 12-team competition in the 2018-19 season and in February will release the stringent criteria new clubs must meet to be considered for a licence. While Tasmania are hoping for immediate entrance, they will not likely enter next season if successful in their bid, meaning any potential signing of Arnold would include a major role in the recruitment of player and staff, training base and facilities in the year before they enter the A-League.

However, that will only be considered if Arnold makes the surprising decision to leave Sydney FC, who expect him to sign a new deal in the coming weeks. Sources suggest the club are not yet considering an alternative coach for next season despite the contractual uncertainty over Arnold who is now in the final six months of his deal. After signing a three-year-deal with Sydney FC in 2015, it is understood Arnold has been offered another long-term contract by the Sky Blues though specific clauses are yet to be agreed upon. The club's board is pleased with his performance, particularly this season with the club six points clear at the top of the table.

Sydney are set to face competition for Arnold's services with Dutch club NAC Breda and Melbourne City interested in signing him.