BRUSSELS/EDINBURGH (Reuters) -EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen headed to Scotland on Saturday ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday afternoon, commission spokespeople said, as EU officials said the two sides were nearing a trade agreement.

Farouq is a Live Page Journalist, covering Reuters international news stories. He previously worked as a correspondent on the UK Breaking News team, reporting on general news across the United Kingdom.

Leaders of the European Union and Japan have launched an alliance aimed at boosting economic cooperation, defending free trade and countering unfair trade practices as the two sides face growing challenges from the United States and China.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said she will meet US President Donald Trump on Sunday, raising hopes the two will agree an outline trade deal and avoid a transatlantic trade war.

By Philip Blenkinsop and Trevor Hunnicutt BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The European Union and the U.S. are heading for a potential trade deal that includes a 15% U.S. baseline tariff on EU goods and possible exemptions,