SHE'S used to causing controversy, from her outrageous stage costumes and unusual religious beliefs to her latest relationship with a man young enough to be her son.

But Madonna is now also embroiled in a row over her adoption of a second African child.

She wants to add Mercy James, 4, to her brood of children which includes her biological kids Lourdes, 12 and Rocco, 8, as well as David Banda, 3, who she adopted from Malawi two and a half years ago, even though the child's father is alive.

But in Mercy and David's home country of Malawi she's been labelled a "child kidnapper" for her ruthless pursuit of the latest orphan, who lives with her grandmother and is surrounded by her extended family.

Mercy's 18-year-old mother died just a few days after her daughter was born and her father is also thought to be dead.

Nobody in Mercy's world has ever heard of this strange American woman - but even though they say they've been told of the lifestyle the child could have if they give her up they don't seem prepared to let her go.

The child will want for nothing with Madonna, but some argue she should be left in her own land with her own people.

Madge - who flew into the country on a private jet- doesn't seem to care so much about that.

She's promised the child will stay close to her roots and pledged she'll bring her back to visit. But that's what she told David's father and, heartbreakingly, when she did take the child back on a flying visit, little David had no idea who his dad was.

A court judge in the country - which has more than a million orphans - will decide the outcome on Friday.

We went onto the streets of Glasgow to ask: should Madonna be allowed to adopt from Malawi? Readers split over decision to take child from her African home CHERYL CHENEY, 19, student, Uddingston: It's a good idea if she wants to take care of a baby - if she wants to do it then really it's up to her. ANNETTE NEWELL, 62, retired, East End: I think she should stay where she is - she's four, so she's that wee bit older. Maybe if she was younger and still a baby then it might be different. CHRIS ALLEN, 27, art worker, city centre: It doesn't quite seem right - especially as Madonna's on her own at the moment as well. It also seems strange to take over another member of her family. DAVID YOUNG, 42, engineer, city centre: I don't really care what Madonna does to be honest. It's up to her. SCOTT MORRIS, 20, West End, student: From what I've heard the kid is an orphan so there's nothing wrong with it at all - she should go for it. DAVID MURPHY, 50, Scotstoun, technician: The girl should to stay in her own country. Modonna's taking her out of her own environment and putting her in one of money. It's self-indulgent. RAY BRADSHAW, 20 Jordanhill, student: I think it's a good thing, but she'd be better off giving money to an orphanage rather than just focusing on one individual. AMBER COMERFORD, 29, Shawlands, TV producer: Rather than take the child home, she should give some money to help Malawi.