MICHAEL JACKSON - JACKSON TO COLLABORATE WITH WESTLIFE

Controversial pop superstar MICHAEL JACKSON is considering recording a collaboration with Irish boyband WESTLIFE.

Plans have been underway since the group's manager LOUIS WALSH met with one of Jackson's agents in Germany three months ago (NOV05).

And the four piece are desperate to hit the studio to record a ballad with the BAD hitmaker.

Speaking after last night's (02FEB06) Meteor Ireland Music Awards in Dublin, SHANE FILAN said, "The idea to do a single with Michael Jackson came from Louis Walsh.

"It would be this cool thing to do, we are all big fans of Michael Jackson."

Westlife are also lining up collaborations with LIONEL RICHIE and JULIO IGLESIAS. Filan adds, "If we get one we would be very happy because they are all big names."