Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in California

The California estate was reportedly scheduled to be sold off on 14 May (08) if Jackson failed to pay $24.5 million (GBP12.25 million) he owed in property taxes - but Colony Capital, a New York-based private equity group, stepped in to buy his loan.

A statement from Jackson says the star is in discussions with Colony and its founder Tom Barrack Jr. "with regard to the ranch and other matters".

The company is reported to be "very comfortable" holding the loan while it negotiates payment terms.

Source: WENN