The FFA are fighting to keep Ante Milicic as part of the Socceroos coaching staff while the Western Sydney Wanderers circle him as their No.1 manager target.
The Covert Agent can reveal the FFA are understandably reluctant to release the Australian assistant coach from his contract after the departure of Ange Postecoglou was leaked to media.
David Gallop and FFA management met recently with Milicic to discuss to him turning down the Wanderers and staying on with the Australian coaching set-up post World Cup.
It’s also believed the FFA are worried the potential departure of both Milicic and Postecoglou will leave the national team short of coaches who know the players and current squad heading into a possible appearance in Russia.
Milicic is highly regarded by the governing body and is seen as a future Socceroos head coach, who fits the code’s future model in Australia.
As revealed by The Covert Agent last week, Milicic is the Wanderers' one and only choice to replace Tony Popovic and has already had discussions with the club.
He is yet to make a decision on his future.