Netherlands boss Dick Advocaat believes Virgil van Dijk was right to try and force through a move away from Southampton.

The Dutch defender has made it clear to the Saints that he wants to leave this summer amid serious interest from Liverpool, while Chelsea are also believed to be keen on snaring the 26-year-old.

The Premier League champions are said to be ready to offer £50million for van Dijk's signature but Southampton remain determined to hang on to the former Celtic man.

Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino said this week he was hopeful of persuading van Dijk to shelve plans to leave but rumours suggesting the centre-half wants to leave persist.

His national team coach Advocaat has now come out in support of van Dijk's decision to try and secure a move, claiming his desire to leave the south coast is understandable.

"You can condemn it, 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," Advocaat said.