Michael Jackson expected to announce comeback in UK

Michael Jackson waves to fans at a U.S. military facility in Tokyo, as he walks to board a helicopter bound for Camp Zama, a U.S. military base west of Tokyo, to join a fan appreciation event March 10, 2007.?[Agencies]

LONDON- Michael Jackson will be in London this week to make a "special announcement," organizers said Tuesday, and industry sources said it is likely to involve a series of comeback concerts in the city.

Music promoter AEG Live has sent an invitation to a press conference at the O2 arena in London, where the concerts are likely to take place probably later this year.

Jackson and representatives from AEG Live are expected to attend the Thursday event.

The 50-year-old last appeared at the World Music Awards in London in 2006, but the much-hyped return of one of the biggest pop acts of all time was a critical flop after he sang only a few lines of "We Are The World."

The man behind "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time, has generally kept a low profile since his acquittal in 2005 of child sex abuse charges.

He has recently been living in luxury rented accommodation in Los Angeles after spending time in Las Vegas, Ireland and Dubai since the trial.

Rumors and reports of record deals and live comebacks, as well as numerous health problems, have been rife in recent years.

British bookmaker William Hill is already offering odds that Jackson will not turn up for the run of concerts he is expected to perform at the O2 arena.

Jackson's record label Sony did not have any immediate comment.