Michael Jackson planning to stage comeback

U.S. singer Michael Jackson arrives for the 2006 World Music Awards at Earls Court in London in November 15, 2006 file photo.

Michael Jackson, the 50-year-old pop singer, is planning a string of comeback concerts in London which could earn him up to 45 million pounds(about 65 million U.S. dollars), according to media reports Tuesday.

Jackson is said to be in secret talks with organizers to stage his pop revival with up to 30 dates at the O2 arena.

A portrait of pop singer Michael Jackson dressed as a king by artist Norman Oak is shown in this image released to Reuters February 17, 2009.

The negotiations are thought to be at an advanced stage, with Jackson poised to secure 1.5 million pounds(about 2.1753 million U.S. dollars) per night to perform at the 20,000 capacity venue in Greenwich.

It is believed that an announcement confirming the deal will be made within weeks. AEGLive, which runs the arena, has pencilled in Jackson's first performance for July.

The series of concerts would attract fans from all over the world and tickets could sell for as much as 1,000 pounds (about 1 450 U.S. dollars) for VIP packs.

Rumours have circulated that the debt-ridden singer, who was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005, is in no fit state to face the demands of performing live.

But sources have dismissed speculation of illness, overuse of prescription drugs and stage fright, and organisers have been told that Jackson is ready to make a comeback.

The London arena is competing with US venues to secure Jackson on the bill, but it is believed that he would favour re-launching his career in Britain because he still enjoys huge popularity in Europe.

The 30-night stint would eclipse the longest run of 21 shows which Prince performed at the O2 in 2007.