Google is to launch a streaming service later this year to directly compete with the likes of Spotify and Deezer, according to reports.

The new service would be the first dedicated streaming service launched by a retail or tech giant.

Universal Music’s global head of Digital Francis Keeling has spoken out about the possible service, saying it could provide the music industry with ‘the biggest funnel it can have’ in terms of migrating internet users to legal consumption.

Keeling ...