Ufuk Talay insists Sydney FC won't be looking to move players on in the January transfer window as he issued a hands-off warning to would-be suitors for Jordan Courtney-Perkins.
An Australia youth international, Courtney-Perkins is off contract at the end of the current A-League Men season and has struggled for game time across Sydney's campaign.
Courtney-Perkins has been restricted to just two substitute appearances this season, with Sydney's first-choice backline conceding a league-low seven goals through the opening 12 rounds.
The 23-year-old's lack of match minutes and uncertain contract status makes him an obvious target for other clubs.
But Talay was adamant the versatile defender was a part of his plans.
"I don't see anybody going anywhere (in January)," Talay said.
"We love Jordy, he's not got a lot of game time this year.
"At the moment he's got Marcel (Tisserand) and Alex Grant in front of him unfortunately and they're doing a good job.
"We have Jordy and Popa (Alex Popovic), we have these players for depth through injuries and suspensions, so he's a very important player to us."
Talay, whose side sits second, met with Sydney's board earlier this week to discuss his scope to add to his squad this month.
Sydney have made it known they are in the market for an attacker or winger.
Al Hassan Toure and Joe Lolley remain sidelined until the end of the month and will not feature in Sunday's game with Wellington when the Sky Blues return to Allianz Stadium for the first time this season.
Their absences will give Patrick Wood a chance to lead the line again after scoring in last Saturday's win over Macarthur.
"The hardest thing I think at our club and being a big club and if you look at the whole league in general, those are positions foreigners are brought in (for)," Talay said.
"It's harder for these younger boys sometimes to get that opportunity and that's not saying that they're not good enough.
"Woody went on loan (last season) and I think it's nice for those players to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side… the opportunity has arisen through injuries and he's done well so hopefully he continues in that manner."
