Theresa May has told EU leaders she wants a “deep and special relationship” with the bloc after holding talks with Brussels chiefs in Downing Street.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and EU's main Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, had dinner with the Prime Minister and David Davis, in what was described as a “constructive” meeting.

Few details about the content of the discussion were released, but the forthcoming EU summit this weekend is likely to have featured.

"The PM had a constructive meeting this evening with President Juncker of the European Commission," a spokesperson for Ms May said in a statement.

"Following the UK's letter of notification under Article 50 (on its departure from the EU), she reiterated the UK's commitment to achieving a deep and special partnership with the European Union.

"The PM and president Juncker also discussed a range of other international issues in a useful working dinner."

A spokesman for the Commission also described the meeting as “constructive”.

“They discussed the broader geopolitical agenda and issues of strategic interest to both,” he said.

"President Juncker and Prime Minister May discussed the Article 50 process ahead of his participation in the European Council on April 29."

Brexit talks: PM welcomes Tusk to Downing Street

At Saturday’s summit, the leaders of the 27 other EU countries will consider their approach to the talks on the UK's withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis has said "cool heads, strong leadership and traditional British resolve" will be needed to secure a good deal as the UK leaves the EU.

Speaking to the Prosperity UK conference in London, he acknowledged Britain will have to make compromises in the negotiations, but insisted the country has "very good reason to feel optimistic".

In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier listens at the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, delivers his speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for Brexit reacts during a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg EPA In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage wears socks with Union Jack flag at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty Images In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Nigel Farage, United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) member and MEP, addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcoming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker (L) speaks with European commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, French Michel Barnier at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), addresses the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit priorities and the upcomming talks on the UK's withdrawal from the EU Reuters In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions Member of the European Parliament and former leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage gestures during speeches at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on April 5, 2017. The European Parliament will on April 5 lay down its "red lines" for negotiations over a Brexit deal, on which the assembly will have the final say in two years' time. / AFP PHOTO / Sebastien BozonSEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/Getty Images Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg Getty In pictures: European parliament Brexit discussions The European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France Getty Images

He added: "Securing an agreement with the EU, within the two-year period, about our withdrawal and the shape of our future relationship will be challenging.

"We will have difficult issues to confront. Compromises will be necessary on both sides."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told diplomats at the Lord Mayor's banquet in the City of London he had “no doubt that the negotiations will be tough and some plaster may fall off the ceiling”, but added: "I am also sure that Theresa May can pull it off and usher in a new era of free trade deals."