ABEL ABLE TO FILL SUNDERLAND VOID?

Black Cats manager Peter Reid is believed to be a long-term admirer of the Portuguese international and has tried to sign him on more than one occasion in the past.

Despite his previous failures he is now expected to return with a bid of £2.5 million, which Everton boss Walter Smith is unlikely to reject.

The versatile Xavier had been linked with a return to his homeland with Benfica last year, but injuries scuppered any chance of him completing a deal.

However, the 28-year-old is now back to full fitness and could very well join Gavin McCann, Don Hutchison and John Oster, who have all switched from Goodison to the Stadium of Light in recent years.

Mozambique-born Xavier moved to Merseyside in 1999 from PSV Eindhoven for £1.6 million and he has become a popular figure during his time with The Toffees, but it seems he may be set to end his association with the club.