Elano, whose brilliant recent form has reinforced City’s push for a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, admitted earlier this week that he would be keen to open talks over a new contract at the end of the current campaign.
The popular former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, who gave a critical interview in Brazil when he was left out of the side earlier in the season, played a key role in the victories against West Bromwich Albion and Everton.
But manager Hughes insists that the player must show patience over any talks about a new deal. He said: “Elano has two more years left to run on his contract, so it isn’t really a priority at the moment.
“There are a number of other players with less time on their contract, so they are the ones we will have to look at. Elano is not one of those players that we feel we need to look at and renegotiate terms with.
“But I have certainly been pleased with him of late and the positive impact that he has had on the team. He has been working really hard for the team and his performance levels have been good. He is having an impact and I am pleased about that. He is enjoying his football and playing in a good team at the moment.”
Elano once more looks like the player who enchanted fans when he first arrived. Hughes said: “He was new to the League and the intensity of it. He made a big impression but it’s more difficult to make an impact on a continuing basis. His games recently have highlighted the ability we all know he has.”
