Michael set to 'divorce'

LONDON (Reuter): Sultry British rock superstar George Michael is finally set to get a "divorce" from his record label, Sony, and industry sources hotly tip him as the first signing for new Hollywood company Dreamworks SKG.

Sony confirmed talks to hammer out a financial settlement were under way, but Chris Poole, a spokesman for the artist, said the numbers being bandied about were "conjecture".

According to media reports, led by influential industry journal Music Week, Sony would be in line for a US$40 million release fee, in the region of $30 million for a greatest hits album, and a four percent royalty on any future recordings.