Michael Jackson is to make a sensational comeback early in the new year – with a string of gigs at The O2 Arena.

The superstar is set to play “between seven and ten” dates in February, with an ­official announcement now said to be imminent.

A source close to the Thriller singer told thelondonpaper: “Details are being finalised as we speak. It will be a mini-residency at The O2, not like Prince’s 21 nights or anything but about seven to ten dates.

“It’ll be just him, his ­greatest hits and what is ­going to be the biggest gig of the year. Forget the Spice Girls, this is the comeback.”

The finer details of the deal are being thrashed out but ­insiders said contracts should be signed in days.

Tickets will then be ­released “quite quickly” after that. The dates will be slotted around other gigs already booked in for February, ­including the Strictly Come Dancing tour, The Smashing Pumpkins and Alicia Keys.

Next year the once Peter Pan-like king of pop turns 50.

And despite his troubles –­including his trial on child abuse charges (of which he was acquitted in 2005), spiralling £160m debts, his increasingly bizarre appearance, and that infamous “baby ­dangling” moment – demand to see Jackson back in action will be sky high.

The O2 dates are likely to form part of a world tour but it is believed London will be his first stop-off. One music industry source said: “Over here, people are more forgiving. I think his British fans are a lot more tolerant.

“In spite of everything that’s happened with Jacko over the years, it will be brilliant. It will be as big as 21 nights of Prince, if not bigger.”

Jackson’s last live performance was a year ago at the World Music Awards in Earls Court. An O2 spokeswoman would not confirm the dates, saying: “We cannot comment on it at this time.”