Madonna has launched a bid to adopt a second child from the African country of Malawi, it's been reported.

Malawian government officials told the BBC the singer was due to arrive in the country at the weekend ahead of a hearing at the loca High Court.

Madonna, who adopted David Banda from an orphanage four years ago, is believed to have already filed adoption papers.

The reports come less than a week after the singer told the country's newspaper, Nation, that locals had advised her to consider another adoption.

"It's something I have been considering,” Madonna replied, when asked whether she would adopt again, “but would only do if I had the support of the Malawian people and the Government.

"Many people — especially our Malawian friends — say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister."

Madonna's adoption of David Banda was widely scrutinised in the media, with some commentators accusing her of using her public profile to speed up the adoption process.

(by Jason Gregory)