LONDON / BRUSSELS - European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier wants a few more concessions from Britain before entering the last intense phase of negotiations on a trade deal, an EU diplomat said on Friday, as an Oct 15 deadline looms.

The United Kingdom formally left the EU on Jan 31, the two sides are haggling over a trade deal that would kick in when informal membership ends on Dec 31

The United Kingdom formally left the EU on Jan 31, but more than fours years since voting 52 percent - 48 percent for Brexit in a 2016 referendum, the two sides are haggling over a trade deal that would kick in when informal membership ends on Dec 31.

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The two chief negotiators, Barnier and Britain’s David Frost, say they are inching towards a deal, though they have underscored that important gaps remain on fishing, level playing field issues and governance. Both sides have no-deal plans.

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Barnier, who left London on Friday just 12 hours after arriving, wants a few more concessions from Britain before entering the so called “tunnel” - the final stretch of highly secretive, make-or-break negotiations.