Jackson's thrilling return with a series of London concerts

The singer is lined up to do several shows at the O2 Arena next spring.

Promoters want him to recreate his classic Thriller album on stage to mark the record's 25th anniversary.

According to reports, the shows will run throughout March and April at the former Millennium Dome.

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The singer is lined up to do several shows at the O2 Arena next spring: Promoters want him to recreate his classic Thriller album on stage to mark the record's 25th anniversary

"They'd be stripped down, and not big productions.

"Fans would be expected to travel to Jackson rather than make him go round the world" according to one U.S. report.

Hiding his face from the world's media: Jackson shopping in LA last month

It is understood that Jackson might well join the other original members of the Jackson Five on stage during the show.

Tickets are expected to cost hundreds of pounds, as Jackson is said to be in debt to the tune of more than £165 million. Rod Stewart's former co-manager Randy Phillips is understood to be behind the plan.

Sources say Phillips and Jackson have met several times, and that Michael "is in good shape".

However there are still obstacles to standing in the way of the O2 run of shows - namely insurance and, apparently, Jackson's often flaky mental health.

Jackson, 49, was widely criticized when he fleetingly performed live at the World Music Awards in London in November 2006. It had been his first public performance since his acquittal on child molestation charges a year-and-a-half before.

A 25th anniversary version of the top-selling album Thriller, called Thriller 25, is set for release in February 2008. It originally sold more than 50 million copies and won eight Grammy Awards.

He is then expected to release a 'comeback album' - which reportedly will include collaborations with rappers and producers Kanye West, will.i.am and Akon plus rare as-yet-unheard material from the time he made Thriller.

It was reported last year that Jackson is also lined up to play 250 concerts in Las Vegas over the three years from next autumn, when Jackson will be 50.

Further concerts, across America were reported to have been arranged to clear Jackson's debts.

Jackson became a pariah after allegations of child molestation in December 2003. He was acquitted of all ten counts but his career – already long wanting a hit album – had gone into freefall.

Jackson might well join the other original members of the Jackson Five on stage during the show

His debts forced him to sell his Neverland ranch and he has since lived a somewhat nomadic existence.

A source said: "Yes it is true that Michael Jackson is in serious talks with AEG Live to do a series of concerts.

"He will have a mini residency with them, so will be doing about seven to ten days.

"This is quite an exciting time for them because he is still considered an icon. Although talks are in the initial stages, it all looks set to go."