In a sign of the tensions on the issue, the EU diplomats had reportedly threatened to “stall” the Brexit talks if the UK did not make a serious offer.

Last week the UK conceded it did have financial “obligations” to the EU but it is refusing to agree hard numbers until the EU side provides legal justification for demands which British officials have described as “ludicrous” and “outrageous”.

Among the disagreements is the EU’s insistence that it will not deduct the UK’s share of the EU’s multi-billion euro asset portfolio when calculating any final bill.