Elano's arrival continues a remarkable spending spree which has already seen Croatia international Vedran Corluka and Spaniard Javier Garrido join the club today.

New manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has now made seven new signings since he took over with Rolando Bianchi, Martin Petrov, Gelson Fernandes and Geovanni also moving to the club.

The arrival of millionaire former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has allowed City room to spend freely ahead of the new season.

Elano, 26, and Garrido have agreed four-year deals at Eastlands with Corluka committing for five, subject to a work permit.

City chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: "This morning has proved to be an immensely productive one, the outcome of which is the acquisition of three top-quality players for Manchester City Football Club.

"This has been achieved as a result of some tremendous team work and I would like to praise everyone involved for their efforts.

"I would particularly like to thank Dr Thaksin, without whom today's signings would not have been possible."

Elano has been a regular in Brazil squads in recent years and featured in this summer's victorious Copa America campaign.

Corluka, a defender from Dinamo Zagreb, arrives for an undisclosed fee, although reports from Croatia suggest City have paid about £7million for the 21-year-old.

Garrido, 22, joins from Real Sociedad for £1.5million. He had been looking for a new challenge after Sociedad's relegation from Spain's top flight.

Further signings are still expected with Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov's £5.75million set to be confirmed soon.