Queen drummer Roger Taylor believes a highly anticipated duet by Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson will be released later this year — but said obtaining permission from Jacko’s estate had been like “wading through glue”.

Taylor and guitarist Brian May have been working on a new album of unreleased material and hope it will include at least one track made from Eighties recording sessions featuring the two late singers.

The album is due to be named Queen Forever. Taylor, 65, said: “I’m not quite sure what’s on it yet. We’ve got some great new tracks that haven’t been heard and there’s an interesting selection of older stuff.”

The covers band continue to tour worldwide despite Taylor and May still playing live under the Queen banner with new singer Adam Lambert.