The Blues are willing pay around £7.5m for the attacking midfielder, who, barring last minute hitches, is expected to join countryman Geovanni at Carrington before the end of the week.
Ironically, the deal for the 26-year-old coincides with Ukrainian side Shakhtar clinching the signing of Nery Castillo, the Mexican international forward that Sven-Goran Eriksson thought was in the bag when his bid reached £10m.
Although everywhere he has played he has managed a goal ratio of around one every three matches, Elano is seen as a creator rather than an out-and- out striker.
And his arrival will not be an end to City's search for more firepower.
It will, however, end any lingering rumour about the arrival of Kieron Dyer from Newcastle. The England international continues to be linked with City even though they have always denied interest.
Having already brought in Gelson Fernandes to challenge fellow youngsters Stephen Ireland and Michael Johnson for slots in the Blues midfield, Eriksson was keen to have a playmaker who can also put his foot in when necessary - and Elano fits the bill.
Instrumental
The Brazilian's career began at Gurani FC in his homeland before a short spell with SC Internacional. In 2001, he went to Santos FC, and by the following year was a regular choice for the Brazilian champions.
He was instrumental in helping them to the 2003 Copa Libertadores final and he won another national title in 2004, scoring 16 goals, before signing a five-year contract at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Elano made his senior Brazil debut in October 2004 against Paraguay in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, but was not a regular as Shakhtar won the 2004/05 title. He did make 24 appearances in the repeat title charge the following season.
Controversially left out of the 2006 World Cup squad, the midfielder came back in favour with new coach Dunga, and he scored twice in a 3-0 friendly win against Argentina in London last September.
This summer he played in all the Copa America games up to an including the final, where Brazil again beat great rivals Argentina.
He has figured as a striker but Brazil see him more as link man between defence and attack, and he is not afraid to do his share of work in both boxes.
That is how the Blues will use him should they finally land his signature.
"I have never depended much on the position I play. I can adapt everywhere to take on different roles on the pitch," he said in a recent interview. "I like to score goals. My dream was to be a striker, to stay there inside the box scoring loads of goals, but in real life I think I produce better the way I play for Brazil - as a midfielder, helping both in attack and defence."
He admits that he has had to adapt his game to play in Europe, where matches are often more physical and at a higher tempo, and he is now open to new challenges.
Would you like to see Elano at City? Have your say.
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prestwich blueneck, manchester (01/08/2007 at 10:35)