The Covert Agent: Graham Arnold sounded out to replace Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou

Goal's exclusive Australian spy can reveal the governing body is keen for the Sydney FC coach to stabilise the team before the World Cup playoffs

EXCLUSIVE

Under-fire Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou could be replaced by Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold before next month's World Cup playoffs.

The Covert Agent can reveal FFA CEO David Gallop has already sounded out Arnold for the role, with an official approach expected as early as this week.

Postecoglou showed signs of stress at the post-match press conference following 's 2-1 victory over on Tuesday night - making several sarcastic statements before leaving abruptly.

Gallop's relationship with the current coach has been strained for the best part of 18 months over various issues and both men have not hidden their differences.

Arnold, a former assistant under Socceroo coaches Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek, is seen as the logical choice for the job as Australia tries to qualify for via playoffs against Syria and a CONCACAF nation.

It is understood Gallop has been lobbying Arnold and some of his closest supporters in recent months in anticipation for him to accept the job in the long-term - but an SOS call appears to be coming sooner.