Philippe Lamberts, from the EU Brexit Steering Committee, said "sufficient progress" could have been declared in October if there was "goodwill" on the side of the UK. 

Mr Lamberts declared Britain has conceded on the Irish border issue and agreed to a “special situation for Ireland”.

The Belgian MEP said he would “put money” on a deal being done today.

He also said he would approve Brexit talks moving to the second stage after seeing confidential EU papers. 

The EU refused to progress on to trade talks because there had not been "sufficient progress" on key Brexit issues - including the Irish border, financial settlement and citizens' rights. 

But Mr Lamberts told Sky News: "If what I saw on paper is agreed by the leaders then we will declare sufficient progress, I can tell you that. The parliament will vote on that next week in Strasbourg. 

"But I am confident that if the text I saw is agreed by the negotiators then we will be able to declare sufficient progress."

Mr Lamberts appeared keen to start trade talks. He said: "Those in the United Kingdom will say its also in the best interests of the EU 27 to find the good agreement, I agree with them. They are right. So we have a lot to lose. You know, there’s nothing better than membership." 

Mr Lamberts then launched an attack on Britain's Brexiteers and said: “In Ireland, there is this Good Friday Agreement that comes on top of all the EU regulation.

“Those in the United Kingdom, who say it is in the best interest of the EU 27 to find a good agreement, I agree with them.”

Mr Lamberts told Sky News: “I’m sure if you look at the position from the perspective of Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage or Jacob Rees-Mogg, they will not be very happy.

“Then again, they have a problem with reality. So, I know while bumping into it maybe a bit painful, that is life.”