Boris Johnson is reportedly very close to agreeing a Brexit deal with the EU

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Donald Tusk and Boris Johnson

• The EU and the UK are reportedly "closing in" on a Brexit deal.
• Bloomberg report that talks could conclude as early as Tuesday, amid emerging reports of a breakthrough.
• Talks re-opened following a crucial meeting between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Prime Minster Leo Varadkar last week.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The EU is reportedly close to agreeing a new Brexit deal with the UK.

EU sources told Bloomberg that negotiators were "closing in" on a deal, with an agreement possible before the end of Tuesday.

The agreement is reported to hinge on Johnson agreeing that there should be a new customs border on the Irish sea.

Responding to reports of negotiators closing in on a deal, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said talks were "making progress" and heading "in the right direction."

The EU's chief negotiator gave the UK a deadline of midnight in order to agree a deal before this week's EU Council summit.

Under UK law Johnson needs to win a vote on a Brexit deal before Saturday October 19, or he will be obliged to seek an extension to the current Brexit deadline of October 31.

The prime minister cancelled a planned meeting of his cabinet on Tuesday morning, due to talks intensifying overnight.

He also called in previous Conservative opponents of a deal into Downing Street on Tuesday as reports of a possible breakthrough emerged.

Talks re-opened this week following a breakthrough meeting between Johnson and the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar last week.

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