Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen have agreed their negotiating teams will continue talks next week as both acknowledged “significant differences” remain.

Downing Street said it would enable the two sides to “redouble efforts” to reach a deal as the end of the transition period looms.

The talks will resume in London on Monday.

A Number 10 spokesman said: “Prime Minister Boris Johnson today spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a stock take on the progress in the negotiations between the UK and the EU.

“The prime minister set out that, while some progress had been made in recent discussions, significant differences remain in a number of areas, including the so-called level playing field and fish.

“The prime minister and president agreed that their negotiating teams would continue talks in London next week, beginning on Monday, in order to redouble efforts to reach a deal.

“They agreed to remain in personal contact about the negotiations.”

In a tweet, Ms Von der Leyen said: “Some progress has been made, but large differences remain especially on level playing field and fisheries.

“Our teams will continue working hard next week. We will remain in close contact in the next days.”

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