Melbourne City are prepared for Marco Tilio to attract overseas interest but interim coach Rado Vidosic doesn't expect the Socceroos young gun to depart in the January transfer window.
Tilio starred with a goal and an assist in City's 4-0 win over Western United on Saturday night and is one of the league's top young players.
The 21-year-old was also a late call-up for the Socceroos' World Cup squad in Qatar, though he didn't play.
"There will always be interest in some of our young players as long as they play and they play well," Vidosic told reporters.
"Tilio has been fantastic this season. He has contributed enormously. He's been rewarded with a World Cup trip.
"He's a very smart kid, his feet are on the ground and he knows that his future is very bright. There's no need to rush."
Vidosic warned Tilio and left-back sensation Jordan Bos against moving away too early.
While City previously let Nathaniel Atkinson go to Hearts last January, they were able to hang on to FC St Pauli-bound Connor Metcalfe until the end of that season.
Vidosic suggested Tilio and Bos would be best served dominating at A-League Men level consistently before moving on.
"We want to keep the squad together but you can never say never in football," Vidosic said.
"If there's something that really ridiculous, a good offer, and our club decides to sell them then we'll wish them good luck. But I don't think at the moment we've got any great offers or concrete offers for them.
"I think they're happy where they are and they're developing and progressing quite well. There are so many years ahead of them.
"Sometimes for young players, it's better to go overseas when they're ready to play in the starting eleven, so they don't have to sit on the bench or play for the second team. That has happened to a lot of our young players.
"It's better to play here, dominate your games, score goals and enjoy your game here before you head off."
Vidosic didn't expect star striker Jamie Maclaren to contemplate a move.
"He's been overseas, he's experienced that," Vidosic said.
"He's playing in the form of his life. He's chasing records. So I don't think that that would be on his mind.
"But he's enjoying his football and this is his hometown and I think he loves every minute that he has spent with us."
City are unlikely to bring in any reinforcements unless they suffer some injuries.
