Man Utd transfer target 'could face three years in prison' as Erik ten Hag looks to wrap up signing
Man Utd are keen on a transfer deal for Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt
PA
Manchester United are keen on signing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich before the transfer window shuts.
But reports in Germany say the centre-back could face three years in prison, with German police said to be investigating the Netherlands international.
United recently snapped up Leny Yoro, with the 18-year-old touching down from Sevilla.
However, the Frenchman has been sidelined for three months after picking up an injury during pre-season.
Man Utd are keen on a transfer deal for Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt
PA
United have Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as the other centre-backs currently at their disposal.
But Ten Hag would like a reunion with De Ligt, having previously managed the 24-year-old at Ajax.
According to BILD, De Ligt is being investigated by German police. It's claimed he 'rammed a parked car' close to Bayern's Sabener Strasse training ground on Wednesday morning while driving his Audi Q8 e-tron.
It is alleged that De Ligt 'simply drove away' from the scene, with witnesses calling the police to alert them to the incident.
BILD also claim that De Light's own vehicle was towed away and impounded a little while later.
Specialist lawyer Marc Wederhake, speaking to the newspaper, has claimed De Ligt could face a prison sentence if found guilty.
He does admit, however, that a fine is usually deemed sufficient in such cases.
"If convicted, you face up to three years in prison or a fine. Fines are often imposed when people are convicted of such crimes," he said.
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Katharina Thueuerkaufer, a specialist lawyer for criminal and traffic law from Stolzenau, added: "A hit-and-run can only be committed intentionally.
"Now it must be proven that he perceived the accident acoustically, visually or tangibly."
De Ligt is yet to respond to the allegations.
As well as the Bayern star, United are also keen on a new midfielder as they look to win the Premier League for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
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Man Utd transfer target Matthijs de Ligt could face three years in prison after 'ramming a parked car' near Bayern Munich's training ground
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They had been pursuing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugurte.
However, with PSG currently pricing them out of a deal, Ten Hag is ready to move on to other targets.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is on the Red Devils' radar, though Liverpool currently look like frontrunners in the race to secure the player's signature.
And United also have interest in Sander Berge, despite the Norway international being relegated twice with Sheffield United and Burnley.
Man Utd want to seal Matthijs de Ligt transfer due to an injury to Leny Yoro
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Ten Hag, meanwhile, admitted he was a huge fan of De Ligt earlier this summer.
"It remains to be seen whether Matthijs de Ligt will come, I know him well," he said.
"I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern. Believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process."