Madonna is in Malawi attempting to adopt 3-year-old Mercy James, but has the Material Mom had her eye on the tot since 2006?

No kidding around, that's the buzz! According to Us Weekly, Madge has wanted the tiny Malawian girl since she was a baby. "About the same time she adopted David, she also wanted to take Mercy," Us Weekly tells "Extra," adding, "but back then, Mercy's family said no."

The "4 Minutes" singer is currently in the African nation addressing the court on the possibility of her adopting Mercy. During her visit, Madonna -- along with kids Lourdes, Rocco and David -- is touring the country. She visited with David's biological father for the first time since the tot moved to London with Madge.