Michael Jackson has decided against hiring magician David Copperfield for his comeback shows in London this summer, it's been reported.

The singer had planned on using David to bring some extra magic to the gigs but was apparently put off by the magician's fee.

According to a report in the Sun newspaper, the magician was demanding £1million per show.

“He was so excited about working with David but fell out with him over the money he wanted,” a source said.

“Michael told David he would be wasting his time with the London residency if he was splashing out so much on just one person. So he told him the deal was off.”

Michael is believed to have hired Las Vegas magician and star of TV show Mindfreak, Crissangel, as a replacement for David.

The source described the magician as a “superb entertainer”, adding that Michael was “delighted to have in on board”.

The King of Pop's 50 shows begin at the O2 Arena on July 8 and run until next February.

He has not performed a full concert since he was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005.