Pop legend Michael Jackson and his family could be buying a home in the UK, it has emerged.

His older brother, Tito, has been looking at potential hideaway homes in north Devon.

Michael has in past years paid private visits to the area through friend and local martial arts chain owner Matt Fiddes.

A few years ago the superstar stunned thousands of Exeter City Football Club fans when he headlined a fundraising event at the Devon club's St James Park ground.

Tito is understood to have been looking at properties in villages around the north Devon town of Barnstaple.

"It makes sense for me to find a home in this country that I, my brothers and sisters and family can come to," he told the North Devon Gazette newspaper.

"We hope it will be a family hideaway where my brothers and sisters can escape the media attention when we need to."

He said Michael liked the north Devon area "as no-one bothers him".

Mr Fiddes predicted: "The Jacksons will be heading this way a lot more often. It is definitely going to happen."

"Tito spoke with Michael on the phone the other night and all the family are certain that this is the area where they want to find a UK family hideaway."