His present club Middlesbrough have opened contract negotiations with the keeper but theirs isn't thought to be the only offer on the table. Juventus and Bayern Muinch have also been linked with Schwarzer.

It seems the Australian coach is happy to give Schwarzer an extra couple of days to try and nail down a deal before he jets in for a busy period of World Cup qualifiers.

An FFA spokesman said: "Coach Pim Verbeek has granted the request of Mark Schwarzer to join the team camp late so that he can continue contract negotiations overseas."

Schwarzer was expected to join his teammates on Monday 19 May ahead of the friendly match against Ghana to be played at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday 23 May.

The Australian goalkeeper is now due to arrive on Wednesday 21 May.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate wants the keeper to stay but doesn't seem to be banking on it.

He told the BBC: "He might feel that he has been a fantastic servant for the club and is ready for a change himself.

"In the end Mark has to want to stay here. If he doesn't, I've got two very good young goalkeepers and it's maybe the time to give them their opportunity."