A Los Angeles businessman who made millions buying and selling undervalued properties has been revealed as the mystery benefactor who has been masterminding - and financing -  Michael Jackson's comeback.

Tom Barrack, a former Santa Barbara neighbour of the singer, whose children have visited Michael's Neverland ranch, stepped in when the sprawling property was to be auctioned off.

After a meeting with the 50-year-old star in Las Vegas, Tom wrote a cheque to save Neverland from foreclosure. The 62-year-old financier then teamed up with his billionaire friend Philip Anschutz – who owns concert production giant AEG Live - to plan the king of pop's return to the music spotlight.

The pair hope the O2 Arena concerts in London will form a springboard for an international comeback, and lead to a world tour, new albums and movies.

Photo: � Rex