Michael Jackson has rubbished an author's claims that he is suffering from a potentially deadly lung condition, instead saying that he's preparing for a world tour.

Author Ian Halperin sparked rumours the star is seriously ill after telling The Sunday Express this week Jackson is suffering from a condition known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD), a genetic illness.

Halperin is writing a book about Jackson's life and claims the King of Pop is losing sight in an eye and desperately needs a lung transplant.

However, in a statement, his publicist has strongly refuted the claims, saying: "Concerning this author's allegations, we would hope in the future that legitimate media will not continue to be exploited by such an obvious attempt to promote this unauthorised 'biography.'

"The writer's wild allegations concerning Mr Jackson's health are a total fabrication. Mr Jackson is in fine health, and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances."

(by Scott Colothan)