The U.K. will discuss the need for a transitional period after leaving the European Union during talks with the bloc on the practicalities of Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May said, as she promised to give more details of her plans early next year.

Businesses and the government might need time to adjust to leaving the EU and a temporary arrangement to smooth the way could be a solution, May told lawmakers in London on Tuesday, in her clearest sign so far that she supports calls for a transitional deal.

"I would expect us to be able to negotiate a deal within the two-year period that is set out, but it may be the case that there are some practical aspects which require a period of implementation thereafter," May told Parliament's Liaison Committee, made up of senior lawmakers. "We will discuss whether we need an implementation phase.''