Britney Spears - Spears Slashes Apartment Asking Price

Pop superstar BRITNEY SPEARS has been forced to slash the asking price for her luxurious New York apartment, because it has struggled to attract potential buyers in the nine months it's been up for sale.

The BORN TO MAKE YOU HAPPY beauty purchased the East Village pad before marrying dancer KEVIN FEDERLINE last year (04) - and it has since become surplus to requirements.

House hunters will have to match the current $5.2 million (GBP2.7 million) asking price - the loft-style home was previously available at an inflated $5.9 million (GBP3.1 million).

Spears bought the three-bedroom abode which comes complete with a roof-top terrace and a solarium for $3 million (GBP1.6 million) in 2002. Previous owners include ROLLING STONES guitarist KEITH RICHARDS and hip-hop mogul RUSSELL SIMMONS.