Struggle to reach deal in secret talks to return Elgin Marbles to Greece

Sources say two sides cannot agree on how much of the disputed artefacts should return to Athens and for how long

Secret talks to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece have faltered just as they were approaching agreement, it’s been revealed.

Greek and British negotiators have made clear they cannot agree details on the future of the collection that once decorated the Parthenon in Athens.

Earlier this month the British Museum said it was in “constructive discussions” over the possible return of the marbles to Greece after 200 years.