The Jackson 5 News

Michael Jackson is hoping to make $500 million from a reformation of the Jackson 5, it has been claimed.

The embattled pop superstar, who is currently working on new solo material with Will.I.Am of Black Eyed Peas fame, is hoping to make a dramatic comeback in Las Vegas.

According to reports, Jacko and his brothers will play 250 concerts in Vegas, alongside a full U.S. and world tour.

Apparently the series of concerts in the American desert will be accompanied by the construction of a casino, stadium, and hotel erected in Vegas to mark his pop legacy.

Speaking about the plans, which have been hatched with American Idol pop svengali Simon Fuller, a "source" admitted Jackson's image has taken something of a "battering."

"There was initially some concern about Michael's image, which has taken quite a battering with the child molestation allegations," the source explained. "There were also concerns over whether Michael would be keen on performing in front of a large audience after so long away from the stage.

"After all, the last time he performed was at the World Music Awards in London--it was a very badly received performance. So a plan was hatched to get the rest of the family tied into a deal first. They were offered a deal to reform--for a much smaller payday--and were told that if they got Michael on board, the figure would skyrocket.

"That's when the rest of the family got working on Michael--and it certainly seems to have worked."