Madonna's adoption dream 'still on course'

Madonna's longtime publicist has hit back at reports the pop superstar's adoption dreams have hit a roadblock following a decision to replace the Malawian welfare official overseeing the case.

The director of Malawi's child welfare services, Penston Kilembe, was due to travel to London this week to determine whether the singer and husband Guy Ritchie can officially adopt little David Banda - but he has been taken off the case after his superiors accused him of becoming "too cosy" with the couple.

Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, insists the shake up means nothing regarding her client's adoption plans.

Rosenberg says: "The plans to finalise the adoption of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's son, David, are proceeding as outlined almost a year ago - the day the Malawian government granted them their 'interim' adoption.

"All appropriate legal requirements are being followed, including a home visit. Madonna and her entire family look forward to being granted the final adoption early next year."