The SNP and the Scottish Greens are reportedly close to a cooperation agreement being struck – with “good progress” made between the two parties.

The Greens and SNP have been locked in negotiations since May, after the SNP fell just one seat short of an overall majority at the Holyrood elections.

While both parties said there would not be a formal coalition, an agreement would see them work together on key issues and could even see some Green MSPs appointed as ministers in Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish Government.

First reported by the Daily Record, and corroborated by the PA news agency, a source familiar with the negotiations said there had been “good progress” made and a deal was “95%” done.

An announcement, the source claimed, could come as early as the end of this week. But any agreement would need the approval of Scottish Green members.

It is unclear what the final deal may look like.

In May, Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs: “As we embark on this process, we are setting no limits on our ambition.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon in talks with Greens over 'groundbreaking' cooperation deal

“So in that vein let me be clear that while this is not a guaranteed or pre-agreed outcome, it is not inconceivable that a cooperation agreement could lead in future to a Green minister or ministers being part of this Government.

“The key point for today is that we are both agreeing to come out of our comfort zones to find new ways of working for the common good.”

Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Greens co-leader, said the people of Scotland were looking for “grown up politics”, adding: “Green parties across Europe and in countries like New Zealand have in recent years rolled up their sleeves and worked with other parties to deliver a better future.

“But they have also shown that there is more than one way for government and opposition parties to work together, without losing the ability to challenge one another.

“We believe the people of Scotland want to see grown-up politics like this, and will approach the forthcoming talks in this spirit.”

The key area of agreement between the two sides before the negotiations was the constitution with both the Greens and the SNP in favour of Scottish independence.

An agreement would help towards formalising the 72 pro-independence MSPs in Holyrood, seven more than the 65 needed for a majority.

READ MORE: SNP warned to keep Greens 'at arm's length' over economy fears

Documents published by the Scottish Government show the First Minister did not give her Cabinet prior knowledge of her first meeting to explore a cooperation agreement with a rival party.

A note sent from Ms Sturgeon to members of her Cabinet following a meeting with the co-leaders of the Greens on May 25, shows the First Minister informing her colleagues she has agreed “to take forward non-binding discussions to explore potential models for cooperation and joint working”.

Responding to the reports, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar referred to the Scottish Greens as a “branch office” of the SNP, saying: “This coalition isn’t a surprise, it is just formalising a long-standing reality where Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP hammer our public services with cuts, and the Greens nod along.”

He added: “Scotland needs a real alternative that is standing up for our national recovery, the NHS and decent jobs – not the same old constitutional arguments.

“Scottish Labour are building that alternative, and I’d invite everyone in Scotland to join us on that journey.”

Scottish Conservative net zero, energy and transport spokesperson, Liam Kerr, added: “The prospect of an SNP-Green coalition of chaos is terrifying for the 100,000 workers and their families in our oil and gas industry.

“The SNP Government are working hand-in-hand with a party that’s happy to see thousands of hardworking families lose their jobs to suit their priorities.

“They care more about their separatist, ideological grievances than Scotland’s jobs and our wider economy and recovery.

“The UK Government have committed £16 billion to the North Sea to support the sector into transitioning towards using cleaner and greener technologies. That will help us progress towards achieving a net zero society and support our economic recovery.

“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to stand up for vital jobs and livelihoods while doing everything possible to prevent this destructive SNP-Green agenda.”