Selection headache for Manchester City boss
However, with fellow countryman Robinho pledging his future to City, there appears to have been a thaw in relations between Elano and his manager.
And the 28-year-old has admitted he would be happy to extend his stay.
"This is the end of my second season with City and if it were up to me I would be sat around a table discussing a contract extension right now," Elano told the official Manchester City magazine.
"I would love to renew my contract at City and remain here for a long time.
"I love England and I enjoy living in Manchester. I am very happy here."
While Elano is eager to play some part against Sam Allardyce's side at the weekend, Pablo Zabaleta is unlikely to be involved even though he is not far away from a return after hamstring trouble.
However, Daniel Sturridge has not trained all week after reporting a hip injury prior to last weekend's trip to Everton and may be set for a longer than expected stint on the sidelines.
