The transfer saga surrounding Van Dijk’s potential Southampton exit has rumbled on all summer long.
Liverpool are eager to sign the Dutch centre-back while the 26-year-old has made it clear that he wants to move to Anfield.
But the possible £50m deal has hit a number of issues including Liverpool having to apologise to the Saints for their agreeive transfer tactics earlier in the summer.
Van Dijk, who only signed a new six-year Southampton deal last season, is currently training alone and is not expected to feature in the club’s Premier League opener against Swansea next weekend.
Holland manager Advocaat believes the defender is right to try and force his way out of St Mary’s.
Advocaat said: “You can condemn [Van Dijk’s actions], but come on, if you can earn five times as much at a top English club, then I understand you're going to take action."
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson is confident Van Dijk will move to Merseyside before the end of the summer transfer window.
Thompson told Sky Sports: “I think the Van Dijk deal will still happen and I think Dominic Solanke was a fantastic steal from Chelsea.”
Liverpool do face a fight on their hands to sign Van Dijk with Chelsea reportedly readying a bid of £50m of their own.
The Times claim Chelsea are set to table an offer and are confident of sealing a deal in the next week.
