Madonna's divorce settlement with Guy Ritchie could be worth up to 60 million. Initial reports suggested the British director would receive no cash from the singer's estimated 300 million fortune, but Madonna claims he will now get a mixture of money and property.

Liz Rosenberg, Madonna's official spokesperson, said: "I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement." Rosenberg claims the final amount will be between 49 million and 60 million, and will include the couple's Ashcombe House estate in Wiltshire, Southern England, and their West London pub, The Punch Bowl - together worth an estimated 12.5 million.

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Despite Madonna's claims, Guy's friends are more sceptical about the size of the payout. One told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "There are some questions whether it is as high as Madonna is claiming. "It all hinges on the value of their properties and we all know how house prices are suffering.

But when you consider the couple's wealth, they were together for eight years and have children, is it any wonder it is so high?" The source jokingly added: "There will be some who argue that after being with Madonna for that length of time, it's a fair price."

Meanwhile, it has been claimed Madonna's rumoured lover is travelling to London so he can spend part of the Christmas holidays with her. The 50-year-old star is said to have agreed to spend the festive period with Guy and the three children the former couple raise together - sons Rocco, eight, and adopted David, three, and 12-year-old Lourdes, Madonna's daughter from a previous relationship - at Ashcombe House.

But she has also reportedly persuaded baseball player Alex 'A-Rod' Rodriguez to travel to the UK capital so she can see him once her family commitments are over.

A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "She wants the kids to be with their parents but wants time with A-Rod too." Madonna and Guy have yet to reach an agreement over custody of their children as part of their divorce settlement.

The couple were awarded a decree nisi, the first stage of their divorce, in London on November 21.