Brexit: Growing hopes that the draft agreement will be in place by the end of the week

Barnier, the EU's chief negotiator, is negotiating with his UK counterpart, Lord Frost, but formal discussions remain stalled on a handful of crucial issues

In a sign of the European Commission's growing involvement in the negotiations, Mrs Von der Leyen sent Stephanie Riso, one of her most senior authorities, to help Barnier. 

Mrs Riso was involved in the original Brexit divorce negotiations and is seen as someone who could help break the deadlock. 

It is believed that Boris Johnson can speak to Mrs. Von der Leyen in the next 48 hours to try to find a way forward on fishing rights, undoubtedly the biggest remaining point of contention.