London, August 2 : Simon Cowell is reportedly desperate to sign Queen of Pop Madonna to guide ‘The X Factor’ contestants as a guest mentor.

He is said to have asked show bosses to allocate some extra cash in their budget to fund a one-off deal with the Material Girl.

“Simon is the most powerful man in TV these days and he’s in a position to call the shots,” the Daily Star quoted a TV insider as saying.

“ITV are happy to back him – and he’s determined to repay their faith by getting the biggest names in the world, including Madonna,” the insider added.

Top celebrities like Beyonce, Westlife, Take That, and Britney Spears have already appeared on the ITV series in the past. (ANI)