Michael Jackson is to leave his share of The Beatles' back catalogue to Sir Paul McCartney in his will, according to reports.

Jackson, who recently dismissed reports of ill health, is said to hope that the gesture will repair his friendship with the former Beatle.

Their relationship was damaged in 1985 when Jackson trumped a joint bid by Sir Paul and John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, to buy the rights to over 200 Beatles songs.

According to the Mirror newspaper, Jackson has divided his estate between his three children – but wants to leave the songs to Sir Paul.

A source said: “Michael told his lawyers he was sad he no longer talks to Sir Paul and said he wanted to make things right.”

Jackson sold half of the song catalogue to Sony in 1995, but is understood to still earn £40million a year from his remaining share.

Sir Paul first formed a friendship with the singer after he dueted with Jackson on the 1982 single 'The Girl Is Mine'.

In December, Jackson said reports he was dying were a “total fabrication”.

“Mr Jackson is in fine health, and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances,” a spokesman added.

Michael Jackson in Los Angeles