The Stone Roses' long-awaited third album is imminent, reports say

It would be the Manchester band's first album since 1994

(Getty)

With a festival headline slot, four sold-out homecoming gigs and a night at New York venue Madison Square Gardens fast approaching, expectant fans are still holding out hope for The Stone Roses' first album in 22 years

It turns out this is looking increasingly more likely with The Mirror reporting that the Manchester quartet will release their third album this summer.

Such is the influence they've had on the music scene since their self-titled debut album came out in 1989, it's hard to believe the Ian Brown-fronted band - who many say formed the early-Nineties Madchester sound - followed it with just one record (1994's Second Coming).

The Stone Roses split in 1996 following a bitter feud, reforming in 2011 for a series of UK gigs, the rehearsals for which was the basis of Shane Meadows documentary Made of Stone.

Alongside Brown, The Stone Roses are comprised of guitarist John Squire, bassist Mani and the bucket hat-wearing drummer Reni.

A source said: “Ian Brown and the lads have been busy getting their next album ready. It will be album number three. It’s a long time coming but they feel the time is right now."

A spokesperson for the band has refused to comment.

The Stone Roses will headline Scottish festival T in the Park after playing four shows at Manchester's Etihad Stadium in June. They're second favourites to be announced as the final Glastonbury headliner behind Adele.