Sir Keir Starmer is anticipated to face pressure over a crucial sticking point in Brexit negotiations when he meets with the President of the European Commission next week.

Diplomats expect Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the EU's request for a youth mobility plan on Wednesday during her first formal face-to-face talks with the Prime Minister since the election.

Ms von der Leyen, who will eventually preside over negotiations on Sir Keir's planned Brexit "reset", is a strong proponent of youth mobility, having previously studied in the United Kingdom.

The German politician is also regarded as a natural supporter of one of Berlin’s key asks from the reset talks.

It comes amid improving mood music on the idea of youth mobility.

i revealed on Tuesday that the EU was ready to offer concessions to get a deal. These include shortening the length of time young EU citizens would be able to stay in the UK, from four years to two or three.

Senior UK Government insiders expressed confidence that the EU would back down on some of its other proposals, notably the demand that EU students should be entitled to lower university fees and not have to pay premium international fees – which the UK is unlikely to ever accept.

A youth mobility deal is a key EU ask if Sir Keir wants to unlock new agreements on security and trade, but the UK has been cold on the idea, due to fears it will be perceived as opening the door to higher immigration.

The Government has repeatedly ruled out any agreement on youth mobility due to the impact it might have on migration numbers, and fears over being seen as backsliding on Brexit.

However, the Prime Minister’s pledge to reset the UK’s relationship with the EU, and a deal that would make trade easier, are seen as essential to the Government’s mission to grow the economy. Both sides will be seeking a compromise, with Sir Keir suggesting he is open to talks.

Asked if a youth mobility scheme was on the cards, he said: “We’ve no plans for a youth mobility scheme but we are heading out [to Brussels] for an important meeting this week – I don’t want to get ahead of any important discussion we’ll have but it is an important meeting this week which will go ahead”