Ivan Rogers, the Prime Minister’s adviser on Europe and global issues, is being tipped for a new job as Britain’s ambassador to the EU in Brussels.

Whoever fills this post will be expected to lead efforts to strike a new deal for the UK, repatriating powers from Europe to Britain, before putting the results to the electorate in a referendum.

The post holder can expect to come under intense pressure from Conservatives and eurosecptic campaigners, who will be demanding dramatic cuts in the power and influence of Brussels politicians over British laws.

Mr Cameron has promised to hold an “in/out” referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU by the end of 2017, if the Conservatives win the next general election.

Mr Rogers is said to have impressed senior Whitehall figures after strengthening relations with Germany and in preparing for the G8 summit in June, which delivered deals on tax and trade talks.

He was appointed to the Downing Street adviser role in October 2011. His previous experience spans both private sector spells at top banks, including Barclays Capital and Citigroup as well as a period as director of EU policy at the Treasury.

In the 1990s he worked as chief of staff to the vice-president of the European Commission, Lord Brittan.

The Brussels vacancy has arisen after Sir Jon Cunliffe quit as the UK Permanent Representative to the EU to take up the post of deputy governor of the Bank of England.

Sir Jon was also Mr Rogers’s predecessor as the Prime Minister’s adviser before moving to become ambassador to the EU.

Downing Street declined to comment on speculation about the next UK Permanent Representative in Brussels. An appointment is expected to made later this month.