Brexit secretary Steve Barclay has said he is encouraged by the government's progress in getting a Brexit deal... because his meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier "overran".
Mr Barclay said following Friday's talks in Brussels: "There's a common purpose both in Dublin, in London and here in Brussels to see a deal over the line.
"I think the fact that the meeting overran today... underscores the purpose there is on both sides to get a deal and that is what we are working very hard to secure."
But Mr Barnier was non-committal following the meeting.
He told the BBC: "Brexit is a school of patience but we are still ready to reach an agreement.
"You ask me if I am optimistic or pessimistic. The famous grandfather of the EU, Jean Monnet, said: 'I am not optimistic, I am not pessimistic, I am still determined.'"
And the EU insisted a "fully workable and legally operational" solution to the Irish border issue must be included in any Brexit deal.
It comes after suggestions from the UK that the details could be worked out after the October 31 deadline.
The European Commission said in a statement following the talks between Mr Barclay and Mr Barnier: "It is essential that there is a fully workable and legally operational solution included in the Withdrawal Agreement.
"We remain willing and open to examine any such proposals that meet all the objectives of the backstop."
It comes as European Council president Donald Tusk prepares to meet key Brexit players Angela Merkel and Leo Varadkar ahead of talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.
The meetings will take place as the leaders attend the United Nations general assembly in New York.
Ireland, however, today doused down the prospects of an imminent Brexit deal breakthrough, accusing the government of not offering a “fair deal” to resolve the border backstop row.
Simon Coveney, Ireland’s deputy prime minister, said “we are not close to a deal right now” and reiterated that there remains a “wide gap” between the two countries over a new Withdrawal Agreement.
