Tom Jones set to become oldest male chart topper

Sir Tom Jones is on course to become the oldest male musician to have a UK number one album, with his record Praise And Blame leading the way in midweek sales.

The 70-year-old is bidding to score the third number one studio album of his career - and his first since Reload 11 years ago.

He looks set to swipe the crown from Bob Dylan, whose album went to number one in the UK in 2009 at the age of 67.

But he faces a tough battle with Eminem, whose Recovery album was sitting fewer than 500 sales behind, according to Official Charts Company data.

Hinting at a possible collaboration with Eminem, Sir Tom said: "I couldn't be more proud of this album and I'm really blown away by the response from everyone.

"It's great to be top of the charts with Eminem - maybe next time we could be top together."

A Guinness World Records spokesman also said that if Sir Tom secures the number one position this Sunday he will be the oldest artist to have a number one in the UK album chart with new material.

He will beat his own previous record set for Reload.

Dame Vera Lynn recently made the number one spot with a greatest hits collection at the age of 92.