Michael Jackson is hoping to collaborate with Justin Timberlake and Rihanna on material for a new album, it's been reported.

The singer is said to be considering releasing a new record to coincide with his comeback shows in London this summer.

According to the News of the World, will.i.am and Ne-Yo are both involved in the project, while rapper Kanye West has submitted tracks for Jackson to consider.

Last week, Randy Phillips, chief executive of AEG Live, said Jackson would release a new single before he begins his residency at the O2 Arena on July 8th.

“Michael has got some new music and he is looking for a new way of disseminating his material to his fans,” Mr Phillips said.

It's thought Jackson could follow the example set by Prince, who performed a similar residency at the venue two years ago, and give away an album to ticket holders.

More than one millions tickets for Jackson's comeback gigs were sold last week. The residency will run until the end of February 2010.

(by Jason Gregory)