Michael Jackson’s fan album

Michael Jackson fans have been asked to choose their favourite tracks for a new album of the singer’s greatest hits.

‘King of Pop’ is being released on August 29 to celebrate the ‘Thriller’ singer’s 50th birthday.

Fans are being asked to select their 18 favourite songs from a choice of 50 Jackson tracks, and the most popular will appear on the compilation record.

Countries around the world will all host their own polls, meaning several different versions of the new record will be available – sparking speculation that devoted followers of the singer will travel the world in order to obtain a complete set of CDs.

One of Jackson’s new songs was recently leaked online.

'Hold My Hand', featuring Akon, appeared on several websites and is reportedly due to feature on his long-awaited comeback album, which the 'Lonely' rapper is believed to be producing.

The mid-tempo track features the lyrics: "Things will get better if you just hold my hand."

The song has had a mostly positive response from commentators, with one fan saying the song marks "the return of the king".

No release date has been scheduled for the album, the follow up to 2001's 'Invincible'.