Boss Ronald Koeman knows all about the defender from his time with the Saints and would like to bring him to Goodison Park during the current window but he is not alone as Manchester United are also said to be keen.
The Portugal international handed in a transfer request last week and looks to have played his last game for the club having been left out of the Southampton squad to take on Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg this week
Everton want to strengthen their squad during the window but whether they will run to the £12m figure which is being quoted for the 33-year-old remains to be seen.