BRUSSELS has issued Theresa May with a four-week deadline to table concrete proposals on new trade agreement or face a Brexit crisis.

EU diplomats have told The Sun they are becoming increasingly alarmed by a lack of clarity from Britain.

5 Brussels have issued Theresa May with a four-week deadline ahead of Brexit talks Credit: PA:Press Association

PM Theresa May vows at Davos summit to seek ‘new partners’ in trade after Brexit

They are now urging the PM to make a major announcement on the future relationship before the end of February.

If she doesn’t, member states say they will only be in a position to draw up plans for their most “basic” free trade agreement.

One diplomat warned the bloc needs “at least three to four weeks” notice of the UK’s demands ahead of its next summit, which starts on March 22.

They said: “Otherwise, the EU will have to base its decision on current UK red lines which means the EU probably would not be in a position to offer something more than a basic FTA.”

5 Diplomats urging the PM to make a major announcement on the future relationship before the end of February Credit: Reuters

5 Theresa May pictured with Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland Credit: AFP or licensors

A second diplomat said that ideally member states want the UK to come up with a specific offer in the “next couple of weeks”.

The 27 member states are set to begin discussing their own position on trade at a series of meetings starting next month.

5 The 27 member states are set to begin discussing their own position on trade Credit: EPA

EU diplomats want “specific positions on specific policies” from the UK imminently if the second phase talks are to go ahead as planned.

With the clock ticking, one irritated EU country warned: “The UK must come out with clear positions and stop the game of hide-and-seek to be able to move forward.”

Another added: “We need details from the UK very soon, not only on the future, but also on the transition period. The sooner, the better.”

A source close to the bloc’s negotiating team said they were concerned “March is approaching, October is approaching, the 29th of March 2019 is approaching.”

5 Brexit Secretary David Davis working on issues within the Cabinet Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Officials said it was “up to the UK” how and where it wants to table its proposals and that there is no need for a formal document.

Mrs May is rumoured to be planning a major speech on trade next month, when she will also address the Munich security conference on defence.

However, EU member states fear British dithering on what kind of relationship it wants risks rekindling the risk of a no deal crash out.

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One diplomat warned: “We’re not that confident it’ll be negotiated in time. A cliff edge is still possible which is s**t for you and s**t for us as well.

The Cabinet is deeply split over future ties with Brussels between Remainers who want continued alignment and Brexiteers who are demanding divergence.

Senior ministers are still bickering over the terms of the transition deal, with a common position on trade yet to be agreed.