Donald Trump supports the break-up of the European Union in the wake of Brexit, an outgoing US ambassador has suggested.

Anthony Gardner, who is departing as ambassador to the EU, said that senior figures in the president-elect’s transition team had been asking EU officials which countries will follow Britain in voting to leave the bloc.

Mr Trump has made no secret of his support for Brexit and has repeatedly praised Nigel Farage.

Mr Gardner was highly critical of Mr Trump’s position on Brexit and the EU.