United pushing to secure “imposing” 6’1 striker ahead of Euro giant, deal could be struck in January – Sky Sports

Manchester United are “still pushing” to sign Kevin Filling but face fresh competition after a new European heavyweight entered the red-hot race for the Swedish wonderkid, according to a report. United on the hunt United have been tracking Filling, who only turns 17 at the end of the month, after he burst onto the scene in the Allsvenskan – Sweden’s top division – earlier this year. The striker scored on his debut for AIK Fotboll – the same club who produced Alexander Isak, who Filling has already drawn comparisons to – which put him on the crosshairs of a number of clubs across Europe. Kevin Filling – Statistics TeamsAppearancesGoalsAssists AIK Fotboll920 Enköpings SK310 Sweden U-18’s220 Statistics provided by TransfermarktTwo of United’s domestic rivals, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, are believed to be tracking him, with a local Swedish outlet contending AIK are demanding a fee of €5 million to part with their starlet. As relayed by The Peoples Person, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed the Red Devils had entered “concrete negotiations” with the Swedish side to agree a deal. However, the Manchester Evening News disputed this claim, instead suggesting United’s name was being used as a negotiating tool and the club were “not pursuing” Filling. But Plettenberg has now doubled down on his report, reiterating that Old Trafford officials were continuing to “push” and the 16-year-old “could leave AIK as early as this winter.” A new rival The German reporter, who has excellent contacts within the Bundesliga, states Borussia Dortmund are “now in the race” for Filling, however, adding another hurdle for United clear to secure his signature. Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund’s sporting director, is actively pushing for the club to sign the talented starlet, Plettenberg reveals. Die Schwarzgelben have an excellent reputation for developing young players. And this may prove decisive in convincing Filling to choose Germany over England for the next stage of his career. But INEOS have shown a renewed commitment to securing the globe’s best young talent since assuming the helm at Old Trafford last year, demonstrated by the capture of Danish striking starlet Chido Obi from Arsenal. And they are unlikely to let another one of Scandinavia’s hottest prospects up front slip through their grasp without a fight. Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.