Timberlake's first two solo albums have sold more than 13m copies

The star, who won four awards at MTV's Video Music Awards in Las Vegas earlier this month, leads over Beyonce and Amy Winehouse, who have three nods each.

Nelly Furtado, Rihanna and rock group Fall Out Boy are also among the artists with mentions in three categories.

Mika and the Foo Fighters have been confirmed as performers at the awards ceremony in Munich on 1 November.

Ultimate breakthrough

Rapper Snoop Dogg is due to host proceedings in the German city.

Canadian star Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance have also bagged a trio of nominations.

Troubled singer Amy Winehouse is shortlisted for best album (Back To Black), while her song Rehab is in line for the most addictive track prize.

She cancelled her appearance at the MTV awards ceremony in the US due to ill health and reported treatment for drug abuse.

Rapper Kanye West goes up against French electronic act Justice in the video star category for the second year running.

When the dance duo beat the US hip-hop star last year, he stormed the stage and ranted that he was a more deserving winner.

A new category has been introduced at this year's awards, which will see the UK compete against artists from 18 other countries for the title of the contintent's ultimate breakthrough act.