NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden could be extradited to the US by Vladimir Putin in a swap deal for a Russian criminal, MailOnline has learned.

Speculation is growing that Putin may be ready to send back Snowden to help mend the strained relationship between Washington and Moscow.

As his girlfriend Lindsay Mills posts carefree pictures on Instagram, there is growing evidence Snowden is concerned he may be handed back to the US.

A source told MailOnline: ‘A way forward could be an exchange of the kind negotiated when Anna Chapman and other ‘illegal agents’ returned to Moscow.

‘This could involve an agreement that neither side would pursue criminal action or sentences against the parties.’