Elber leaves Lyon

Giovane Elber has left Lyon after the club cancelled his contract by mutual consent.

The 32-year-old's future at Lyon had been in some doubt after he was omitted from the club's squad list for the second half of the season.

Clubs in France can register no more than four non-EU players in their squads, and Lyon have opted for Brazilians Juninho, Cris, Nilmar and Claudio Cacapa ahead of Elber.

Elber has been at loggerheads with the club all season after defying club doctors to have a second operation on his injured ankle and then criticising the medical help on offer at the Stade Gerland.

Both parties have decided to part company enabling Elber to find a new club on a free transfer.

"Giovane Elber had been officially summoned by Olympique Lyon officials and he met with the chairman on Friday to find a common agreement," read a club statement.

"The contract which linked the club and the player has been called off in terms which are satisfying for both sides which starts with effect on January 28."

The former Bayern Munich ace could be set for a move to Spain with Levante reported to be showing an interest in him.