Donald Trump is reportedly planning to buy the Chagos Islands in the latest frustration to Sir Keir Starmer's plans to hand them to Mauritius.

The deal, which the President has not confirmed, would reportedly see the United States taking direct ownering of the archipelago, which holds the Diego Garcia military base.

It follows several attempts by the White House to expand the territory of the United States, including threats to cease control of Greenland, Canada and Venezuela.

The 79-year-old Republican, who is serving his second term, was reported by the Daily Telegraph to be planning to try and buy the cluster of islands.

It's one of several options said to have been presented to Mr Trump as he considers ways to bring the key base under US control.

UK officials described the base as a "key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US" as a government spokesman defended the deal being done with Mauritius.

"Maintaining long-term operational control and security of Diego Garcia is the entire basis for the UK-Mauritius Agreement," a spokesman said.

They added that the agreement was "borne out of the real long-term risks to the base of which both the UK and US are very well aware."

Mr Trump has been deeply critical of the deal and called it "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY" in January when his government withdrew support.

Several sources quoted in the Telegraph revealed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had raised the issue with Mr Trump, but added that it was not his "leading" option.

The United States is reported to consider the base a "vital and indispensable military installation of significant importance" to their national security, according to the Independent.