A friend of Madonna has revealed the motivation behind the singer's desire to add another Malawian child to her family. London-based film-maker Ben Fellows, who is himself adopted, says part of the reason is the Material Girl feels a new addition would be company for her three-year-old son David, adopted from the African country in 2006.
 
"She told me she thought it was very important that David had a sister," Ben tells the Daily Mirror.

Although Madonna has a daughter of her own, Lourdes, from a relationship with former personal trainer Carlos Leon, she is now 12.

Referring to Mercy James - the four-year-old girl Madonna wants to take home - Ben added the singer "had unconditional love to give another child and was going to jump through hoops to get her." 
 
The 50-year-old singer is due in court on Friday to hear if the adoption can go ahead. She initiated the process a year ago after meeting Mercy on one of her regular trips to Malawi.
 
"The connection was instant and profound," says her spokesperson

Photo: � Rex