Tickets to see pop superstar Michael Jackson at a football club charity show are not selling - because people cannot believe he is coming.

Up to 2,000 of the 10,000 tickets for the show, which will also feature magician David Blaine, have not been sold.

Organisers admit that potential ticket buyers are suspicious that Jackson will not turn up but Exeter City FC remain confident Friday's event will sell out.

The two superstars agreed to endorse the event because they are friends of Uri Geller, who is co-chairman of the Third Division football club.

People have been saying it is a double isn't it?

Karen Lewis, club spokeswoman

Jackson, who is travelling by private train from London on Friday, will not be performing any songs but will address the crowd at St James' Park.

Club spokeswoman Karen Lewis said: "We have had this problem with convincing people that he is coming. People just don't believe it.

Shopping trip

"People have been saying 'it will be a double won't it?

"But they are starting to think that maybe we are not lying."

Jackson was mobbed by fans in London when he made an unannounced visit to the HMV music store in Oxford Street on Thursday.

The singer, who bought DVDs including one featuring himself, was given a police escort from the store after onlookers swelled to about 1,000.

More than 70 bodyguards trained in martial arts will protect the singer at the charity event which begins at 1600 BST.

'Secret' show

Ms Lewis said Blaine, whose latest stunt involved spending nearly 35 hours standing on a tiny platform 80 foot above the streets of Manhattan, was scheduled to perform.

But what he has planned for the crowd remains a "secret".

Money raised from the show will go to children with Aids, an African charity and the Prince's Trust as well as the football club.

Singer Patti Boulaye will also be appearing at the show among other guests.

Tickets cost �10 for adults and �6 for children.