Britney agrees US X Factor deal?

Britney Spears has reportedly agreed a deal with Simon Cowell to appear as a judge on the new series of US X Factor.

The singer has long been rumoured to be in talks for the show, but now multiple US sources have reported she has signed up and could become the highest paid judge in reality TV.

Britney has apparently agreed a pay deal of £9.4m a year, according to E! Online, which is three million dollars more than Jennifer Lopez earns for American Idol.

However, The Toxic singer signing on the dotted line could not be enough to seal the deal.

After suffering a breakdown in 2008, Britney temporarily lost custody of her children as well as her own legal autonomy. The 30-year-old is now overseen by a team of legal conservators who include her father, Jamie Spears, a lawyer and a judge.They have to approve the X Factor contract for Britney to join the show.

Earlier this year Simon Cowell said: "I'm fascinated by [Britney]. The fact that she's one of the most talked about - not just pop stars - but people in the world today, means that you've got this star power.

"This girl has got resilience. I would think that if she's managed to sustain a family, a career, which is tough, [X Factor would be] a walk in the park."

Simon and music executive LA Reid are already confirmed for the panel, but two more judges must join them after last year's judges, Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul, were axed.

A spokesperson for the X Factor refused to confirm or deny the show was in talks with Britney.