Iconic singer-songwriter and performer Paul McCartney performs at NIB Stadium in Perth on Saturday, December 02, 2017. [Photo Credit: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright]

Sir Paul McCartney is close to finishing his first solo album in more than five years.

The Beatles legend is not only nearing completion on his follow-up to 2020’s McCartney III, but the 83-year-old musician is said to be plotting a return to his homeland for a UK tour in 2026.

“Paul has been working on the album all year and initially hoped it would be out by the end of this year but as with most things plans change,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

“It’s not quite finished but the majority of the album is done and Paul is really proud of it.

“As for live shows he’s told his team he wants to tour the UK again, so live gigs next year are also happening.”

Until then, McCartney has a US tour kicking off next month, which will start on September 29 in Palm Desert, California, and is due to end on November 25 in Chicago.

Meanwhile, he has co-authored a book about his time in Wings, set for release in November.

The icon formed the rock band in 1971, after the Beatles split, and McCartney has shared his experiences in a new book called Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run.

“I’m so very happy to be transported back to the time that was Wings and relive some of our madcap adventures through this book,” he said.

“Starting from scratch after the Beatles felt crazy at times. There were some very difficult moments and I often questioned my decision.

“But as we got better I thought, ‘OK, this is really good.’ We proved Wings could be a really good band. To play to huge audiences in the same way the Beatles had and have an impact in a different way. It was a huge buzz.”

McCartney formed Wings with his wife Linda, drummer Denny Seiwell, and guitarist Denny Laine.

The group released seven studio albums – including Band on the Run, London Town and Venus and Mars – between 1971 and 1981.

McCartney co-authored the tome with historian Ted Widmer, who said: “Wings was about love, family, friendship and artistic growth, often in the face of tremendous adversity.”

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