Madonna and Guy Ritchie 'close' to reaching custody deal

Madonna's next hearing in her New York custody battle has been postponed as she nears a settlement with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

The former couple became engaged in a bitter fight over son Rocco Ritchie in December (15), after the teen refused to return to his mother's home in the Big Apple following Christmas holiday celebrations with his London-based father.

Madonna launched legal action in the U.S. and U.K., but judges on both sides of the Atlantic urged the pair to work out a private agreement for the sake of their boy.

They appeared to have patched up relations following Madonna's visit to London in early April (16), during which she was reunited with Rocco, and he returned to New York on Saturday (28May16) to stay with his mum for the first time since the custody dispute.

Lawyers for both parties were due to head back to Manhattan Supreme Court on Wednesday (01Jun16) to give the judge a progress report, but the case was postponed until 14 June (16) to provide the stars with a little extra time to finalise a deal.

Ritchie's attorney, Peter Bronstein, tells the New York Post reports suggesting the exes, who were married for eight years until 2008, have already reached a settlement are "inaccurate".

"The fat lady has not sung," he said, but added, "We're close. The case is not settled but we're very hopeful."

Bronstein also reveals Rocco's current visit to the Big Apple was the result of a separate agreement between Madonna and Ritchie, which was "worked out among the family", but things are looking promising as the two parties continue to negotiate future custody.

"Hopefully whatever issues remain will be resolved (by the new court date)," Bronstein stated.

Madonna's legal representative has yet to comment on the proceedings.

The Material Girl hitmaker is clearly enjoying having Rocco back on home turf after treating her eldest son and his half-sister Lourdes Leon, 19, to a night at the Off Broadway interactive show Sleep No More on Tuesday night (31May16).

Performers at the sold-out gig encourage audience members to wear white Venetian beak masks as they engage in the theatrical experience and explore six different floors and over 100 rooms at The McKittrick Hotel.

The singer is also mum to adopted children David Banda and Mercy James, both 10.