Private talks between lawyers in the Sir Martin Sorrell libel trial continued today as the case remained adjourned.

Lawyers representing Sir Martin and the two former colleagues he is suing spent the morning in talks held outside the courtroom at the high court in London.

On the 10th day of the trial, the corridor outside Court 13 was thronged with representatives from both sides as well as journalists waiting for the hearing to resume.

Sir Martin's barrister, Desmond Browne QC, told the judge he was "confident there will be news within a relatively short time frame".

Sir Martin, the chief executive of advertising group WPP, has accused Marco Benatti, WPP's former manager in Italy, and Marco Tinelli of orchestrating an internet hate campaign against him.

Earlier today in a separate hearing, the court of appeal ruled that WPP's claim against Mr Benatti for breach of contract could go ahead in the English courts.

Mr Benatti had appealed against an earlier ruling that the case should be heard in England. WPP claims Mr Benatti broke his contract by not declaring an interest in a company he recommended for acquisition by WPP.

He was fired in January 2006 amid allegations of financial irregularities at WPP's Italian operations.

The litigation concerning Mr Benatti's dismissal is separate from the libel case.

The libel trial continues.

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