Elano looks set to leave the City of Manchester Stadium after being left behind as the squad travelled to South Africa for their pre-season tour.

The Brazil international is seeking a new home with German club FC Koln leading the race for his services along with Spaniards Real Zaragoza and a small whisper from Brazilian outfit Santos.

City boss Mark Hughes chose not to take Elano to South Africa because of already having a 'heavy' squad.

"Obviously the squad at the moment with the new additions is quite large and there is an optimum level you would prefer to work with during the course of a season," Hughes said.

"If you have too many numbers it disrupts your work on a daily basis. The likelihood is that some players will go."