Sir Martin Sorrell's high court libel trial adjourned for the night after lawyers spent the afternoon locked in private talks.

No evidence was heard in the case today and the two sides engaged in discussions outside the court.

After more than three hours, the legal teams returned to court to inform the judge that discussions had failed to come to a resolution.

"It has not yet borne fruit," Sir Martin's barrister, Desmond Browne QC, told the judge. "I think all I really need to say is we hope to have news for your lordship first thing in the morning."

Sir Martin is suing two former colleagues, Marco Benatti and Marco Tinelli, claiming they were responsible for an internet hate campaign involving defamatory blogs and a "grossly offensive" image of Sir Martin with a female executive.

The two men deny any involvement in the creation or distribution of the blogs and the image.

The trial has so far lasted nine days and has heard from a number of witnesses, including Sir Martin.

Mr Tinelli had been due to give evidence this afternoon.

The case continues.

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