Madonna does not reportedly have high hopes that her Malawi adoption appeal will be successful.

Last month, the singer’s request to adopt three year old Mercy James from the country was turned down after a judge ruled that the star did not meet the residency requirement for international adoption. Her lawyers appealed the decision and the case is set to go back to court tomorrow - but those close to the case are not hopeful.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: “[The appeal judge] is no fool and is keen to show that Malawi law is not to be messed with.

“It is certain this case will be thrown out when it is heard by the learned judge.”

Madonna will not be in the country for the 9am hearing but instead will be waiting for notification of the result by phone in London.

Last week, Mercy’s biological father appealed to the Malawi Human Rights Commission to help him secure custody of the child. He is said to have abandoned Mercy’s teenage mum when she found out she was pregnant. She later died in childbirth and Mercy was sent to an orphanage.