Braden Merrick, ex-manager of The Killers, is suing the band for $16 million (£9.1 million) for unfair dismissal.

Merrick, who was fired last May - two years before his contract was due to finish, has said that he believes that he is "entitled to a percentage" of the band's income for helping them on their rise to fame.

The band and Merrick had been trying to negotiate an out-of-court settlement, but apparently Merrick now feels the need to take the matter to court.

The Killer's lawyer said that the band will fight the claim: "The only statement the band would like to make at this time is that the claims alleged by Mr Merrick are absolutely meritless and we intend to defend this action vigorously."

The Killers rose to fame after the release of their first album Hot Fuss in 2004. The album sold more than six million copies, according to Mr Merrick's claim.

The Grammy-nominated act recently began recording a second album.