Ringo Starr is set to join Sir Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan to record new tracks over the summer.

The ex-Beatles drummer - real name Richard Starkey - is keen to join his former Fab Four bandmate and the music legend after hearing of their plans to collaborate.

Ringo, 68, has been described as the "perfect middleman" for the two stars due to his long-time friendship and musical relationship with 66-year-old Paul, while he has also previously performed live with Bob, 68.

A source told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "The word is Ringo is likely to play drums on a couple of tracks once Paul and Bob have put some songs together.

"Ringo will be the perfect middleman between Bob and Sir Paul as he knows them both well."

The expected collaboration came about after 'Get Back' singer Paul expressed an interest in working with the 'Blowin' in the Wind' star, who admitted it would be something he would be very "excited" to do.

A source said at the time: "Getting these two together for any length of time is difficult schedule wise but they both want this to work out. The music that comes out of this will be fascinating to hear."

Bob has already collaborated with another Beatle, the late George Harrison.

The pair were both members of supergroup the Traveling Wilburys alongside Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Electric Light Orchestra star Jeff Lynne in the 1980s.