The British government has confirmed a state visit to the UK by Donald Trump next year is "under consideration".

Reports over the weekend suggested the US president-elect was in line for an invitation to meet Queen Elizabeth II after he is inaugurated in January.

It is thought such a trip could help British ministers strike a free trade deal with the United States.

Following Mr Trump's election, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said: "We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence.

"I look forward to working with president-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead."

Mr Trump has already invited Mrs May to visit him "as soon as possible", according to a Downing Street statement on November 10th.

While the US president-elect has already met with the opposition.

The outgoing UKIP leader Nigel Farage met with Mr Trump at Trump Tower in New York.

UKIP confirmed the pair talked about "freedom and winning", as did Mr Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. She added: "They really enjoy each other's company."

Mr Farage told American TV that Theresa May had to "mend fences" when she finally met Mr Trump, claiming the British prime minister's team had been "quite rude" about the president-elect.