That is near-essential criteria for a Manchester United recruit: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Mason Mount and Andre Onana have all played in the Netherlands. Rasmus Hojlund has a Dutch agent, Kees Vos, who also represents Erik ten Hag.
Bissouma, bought by Spurs last year, barely got a look-in under Antonio Conte when the common consensus was Tottenham had made an astute signing. Brighton banked £25m and had Moises Caicedo to replace him. Caicedo left last week for almost £100m more. The interest in Sofyan Amrabat, also born in the Netherlands and with Eredivisie experience, is convenient. He is out of contract next year but that is not a strong enough incentive. A United official screwed up his face during the pre-season tour when Amrabat's name was mentioned. If United truly wanted Amrabat he would be in Manchester by now.
Still, United need to ignore the noise. They need a younger and specialist alternative to Casemiro. He turns 32 in February and missed eight matches through suspension last season. Casemiro did not start in the first six matches he was available for, either. Caicedo and Rice have been pigeonholed as defensive midfielders but they could spread their wings at new clubs. Lavia was nurtured by Manchester City and wanted by Liverpool before he plumped for Chelsea.