Advocaat edges closer to Belgium job

The Belgian Football Federation (URBSFA) announced Tuesday they have held a second meeting with Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who is a candidate for the vacant position of Belgian national coach.

“The URBSFA is continuing to speak to Mr Dick Advocaat,” the federation said in a press release.

“The discussions are evolving positively with a view to a possible agreement.”

Adovcaat has indicated his interest in the Belgium job a number of times in the media.

He is currently under contract at Russian side Zenit St Petersburg until December 2009, having led the club to the UEFA Cup title in 2008.

According to the Belgian press, Advocaat could take charge of the Belgium team from January 1, 2010, with interim coach Franky Vercauteren continuing in his role until then.

The URBSFA have also approached Advocaat’s compatriot Louis Van Gaal, who recently led AZ Alkmaar to the Dutch championship, but he is expected to be named as the new manager of German giants Bayern Munich.

Rene Vandereycken was sacked as coach of Belgium at the beginning of April after three years in the role.

Belgium are currently fourth in World Cup qualifying group five and stand little chance of qualifying for next summer’s tournament in South Africa.

They also failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championship.