Reuters Copyright: Reuters

Next week's deadline for a deal on the financial changes that will come as a result of the Scotland Bill could be extended. A source close to Deputy First Minister John Swinney says the Scottish government negotiating team will use whatever time is possible to reach agreement on what's known as the fiscal framework.

A deadline of 12 February has regularly been mentioned by Scottish ministers, who say it would allow the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the measures properly. But a spokesman for Holyrood says it's "possible" a deal could be analysed later in February and "every effort would be made" to hear evidence from Scottish and UK ministers by the devolution committee.

A UK government source says Treasury officials are prepared to remain at the table until a deal is done and are "optimistic" about achieving a deal.

But a source close to Mr Swinney says there is still a "massive gap" between the sides.

The next round of talks are set to take place in Edinburgh on Monday.