Elias expected to leave Corinthians after World Cup

Corinthians midfielder Elias was announced on Sunday to be close to his exit from the Brazilian soccer club.

Both Valencia and Sevilla, of the Spanish soccer league, are currently trying to resolve negotiations as to which club will receive that young talent.

Elias began his professional career with Ponte Preta. Undervalued and with little opportunities, he was transferred to Corinthians and immediately fit right in.

He is considered to be a big part of the team's success in climbing out of the second division of the Brazilian Championship in 2008 and in winning the Brazilian Cup and Sao Paulo state championship in 2009.

Despite the team's loyalty and invested interest in him, the team is rumored to receive only around 20 percent of the transaction. Elias is expected to head to Spain after the 2010 World Cup.

Source: Xinhua