Troubled pop star Britney Spears is planning wedding number three despite rumours she could lose her children as a result, according to US reports.

The attention-grabbing singer is believed to be planning a shock Las Vegas wedding to close friend and confidant Sam Lufti.

The news comes as Britney continues an ongoing child custody dispute with her ex-husband Kevin Federline.

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New love: Britney Spears and close friend Sam Lufti are planning to marry, according to US reports

The disgraced mother-of-two has been warned that she could lose her two children altogether if she goes ahead with the wedding.

Britney and Kevin, 29, have been arguing for months over custody of their sons, two-year-old Sean Preston and one-year-old Jayden James.

Friends claim that the out-of-control star has already informed her lawyers and ex-husband of her nuptial plans.

Sadly for Britney, 26, not many people have rushed to congratulate her, with an insider telling Star magazine: "[The lawyers] begged her to at least get a prenup, but she didn't seem to be listening."

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Warning: Britney has apparently been told that she will lose her children if she marries Sam Lufti

A family friend explained: "Kevin has seen Sam lose his temper.

"We hear he swears a lot and makes very derogatory statements when he's alone with Brit.

"Kevin has forbidden Britney from having Sam around the boys.

"In fact, Kevin has threatened to get a restraining order. She'll lose custody if she allows Sam around them, Kevin will make sure of it," said the insider.

The singer's friends also have warned that Lufti is only with Britney for the luxury that comes with dating an international popstar.

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Battle: Britney and ex-husband Kevin Federline have been arguing over custody of their two children

"Britney is completely under Sam's spell. Everyone sees through him, except her," said one friend.

"I hear that he stays with her most of the time, and she pays for his food, his bar and restaurant tabs and clothing. She takes care of everything."

The Vegas wedding would be Spears' third marriage, following her two-year marriage to Federline in 2004 and a 55-hour Vegas marriage to Jason Alexander back in January of the same year.

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Wild: The star's increasingly irratic behaviour has caused concern

The singer is currently permitted bi-weekly visits with her sons including one overnight stay.

She is reported to pay Federline $15,000 (£7,166) per month in child support and $20,000 (£9,555) in financial support as well as purported legal fees totalling $120,000 (£57,000).

Her record label could not comment on the singer's personal life.