Jackson 'needs life-saving transplant'

Michael Jackson is reportedly suffering from a life-threatening lung disease and is in need of a transplant.

The Sun reports that the pop icon's health is rapidly deteriorating due to genetic disease alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency, which causes a lack of protein to protect the lungs.

Jackson is allegedly suffering internal bleeding and has lost vision in his left eye, according to his biographer Ian Halperin.

"He needs a lung transplant, but may be too weak to go through with it," Halperin is quoted as saying. "He also has emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, which his doctors have had a lot of trouble stopping. It's the bleeding that's the most problematic part. It could kill him."

He added: "He can barely speak. The vision in his left eye is 95% gone. For years Michael has been working with his doctors to make sure it doesn't progress. He has been on many medications that have stabilised him."

Jackson's brother Jermaine said: "He's not doing so well right now. This isn't a good time."