Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in the Premier League on Thursday, December 17.

Thursday morning's Premier League transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester United 'want four new signings'

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a quartet of signings over the next two transfer windows to complete their squad overhaul.

The Red Devils acquired the signatures of Donny van de Beek, Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri in the most recent window, but United failed to bring in a new winger or centre-back.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have an untold effect on the club's finances, and business in the January transfer window is expected to be focused on outgoings rather than new signings.

However, the Manchester Evening News reports that United will spend the next two weeks drawing up a shortlist of players for future windows, but the Red Devils will not swoop for a player unless their club lists them for transfer in January.

The report claims that a winger, centre-back, right-back and defensive midfielder are priority areas for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, and the Red Devils have also been tipped to move for a new playmaker given the uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba's future.

United lie ninth in the Premier League table before they travel to Sheffield United for Thursday's encounter.

Manchester United to battle Juventus, Real Madrid for Sporting Lisbon youngster?

Manchester United have reportedly identified Sporting Lisbon youngster Nuno Mendes as a potential transfer target.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Mendes has already established himself in the Sporting first team, making a total of 10 starts this season.

However, the emergence of the left-sided player has inevitably led to interest from elsewhere, including from Real Madrid and Juventus.

According to O Jogo, United are also weighing up a big-money approach for the teenager in 2021.

The Premier League giants have a history of doing business with their Portuguese counterparts, having previously signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Bruno Fernandes.

After recently penning a five-year contract, Mendes is valued in the region of £40m.

More transfer news from Premier League:

Paulo Dybala offered new Juventus contract
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli says that a new contract has been offered to Paulo Dybala, who has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Read more.

Manchester United 'in hunt for Bayern Munich's David Alaba'
Manchester United are reportedly one of several top European sides hoping to sign Bayern Munich's David Alaba, who will be a free agent in the summer. Read more.

Kylian Mbappe 'could snub new deal if Paris Saint-Germain lose to Barcelona'
Kylian Mbappe could reportedly reject a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain if the French giants are eliminated by Barcelona in the last-16 stage of the Champions League. Read more.

Arsenal technical director Edu sets out plans for January transfer window
Arsenal technical director Edu acknowledges that the Gunners will be in the market for a creative midfielder during the January window. Read more.

Manchester United open to Brandon Williams loan exit
Manchester United could allow Brandon Williams to leave the club on loan next month, according to Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Read more.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'is an admirer of Declan Rice'
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is an admirer of West Ham United's Declan Rice, according to a report. Read more.

Leeds United 'miss out on Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori'
Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori, who has been linked with Leeds United, will join Rennes on loan next month, according to a report. Read more.

Liverpool interested in signing Renato Sanches?
Lille midfielder Renato Sanches emerges as a transfer target for Liverpool, according to a report. Read more.

Leeds United want Manchester United's Daniel James in January?
Leeds United are eyeing another swoop for Daniel James after failing to land the winger before he moved to Manchester United, according to a report. Read more.

Alan Shearer: 'Manchester City need to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero'
Former England striker Alan Shearer says that Manchester City need to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero. Read more.

Juventus 'open talks over Paul Pogba deal'
Juventus reportedly open talks with Mino Raiola over a potential move for Manchester United's Paul Pogba, with a summer transfer potentially on the cards. Read more.

Liverpool ready to offer new contract to Virgil van Dijk?
Liverpool are allegedly planning to open contract discussions with defender Virgil van Dijk at the start of 2021. Read more.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah 'yet to make decision on Manchester United contract'
Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah is yet to decide whether to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, according to a report. Read more.

Agent rules out Chelsea loan exit for Emerson Palmieri
Emerson Palmieri's agent says that Chelsea will not allow his client to leave Stamford Bridge on loan in January. Read more.

Manchester City interested in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci?
Manchester City are reportedly aiming to strike a deal for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, with Pep Guardiola keen to bring in an experienced centre-back. Read more.

West Ham United's Declan Rice wants January move to Chelsea?
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly still keen on a move to Chelsea, but the Blues may struggle to agree a deal with the Hammers in January. Read more.

Sean Dyche: 'We are not desperate for January reinforcements'
Sunday's win at Arsenal made it eight points from five games for Sean Dyche's side. Read more.

Burnley midfielder Josh Benson pens new contract
Josh Benson, 21, spent much of last season on loan at Grimsby, but has made five appearances for the Clarets this term. Read more.

Man Utd revive interest in Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez?
Manchester United revive their interest in Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez with uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba's future, according to a report. Read more.

Chelsea 'confident of keeping Olivier Giroud'
Chelsea are reportedly confident that they can convince Olivier Giroud to stay at the club with assurances over his game time before next summer's Euros. Read more.