Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar is adamant he won't lose gifted fullback Cassio to either of the two new clubs joining the A-League next season.
Vidmar said Cassio, currently sidelined by a calf strain, was close to his top re-signing priority.
Cassio's current contract with Adelaide expires in February, meaning he is one of the players eligible to be spoken to by representatives of the new clubs, Gold Coast United and North Queensland, from next week.
United assistant coach Phil Stubbins is thought to be vying with Olyroos coach Graham Arnold for the senior coaching role at North Queensland, leaving Cassio in a delicate position.
"In my opinion he's got to stay," Vidmar said today.
"That's what I've told (Adelaide director of football) Michael Petrillo.
"He's a fantastic professional, fantastic footballer and is extremely good within the group and a good natured person, so for me he's got to stay - I spoke to him even today.
"I also understand he's a footballer who wants to do the best for himself and his family.
"We've been in that situation before, so any decision he makes is solely for himself and I understand that, but in my opinion Cassio's a player here for the long term."
The Reds' immediate future looks somewhat rosier after Vidmar confirmed that marquee striker Paul Agostino had recovered from a knee knock and would be fit to start in Saturday night's home encounter with Wellington Phoenix.
Agostino was plainly missed during a fortunate 1-1 draw against Queensland Roar in Brisbane last weekend, when replacement Robert Younis was overwhelmed by the occasion before he was substituted.
"Ago's fine, he probably was ready last week but we were a bit precautionary with him," Vidmar said.
"He's trained this whole week so he's ready to go."
