Jackson lawyer:

Jackson lawyer:

Michael Jackson reached an 11th-hour deal to refinance

his troubled Neverland Ranch, his lawyer said Thursday,

avoiding a public auction of the property that had been

scheduled next week.

Jackson attorney L. Londell McMillan told The Associated

Press the pop star has worked out a "confidential" agreement

with Fortress Investment Group LLC allowing him to retain

ownership of the famed property in Los Olivos, Calif.

"Neverland and MJ are fine," McMillan said.

A representative for Fortress did not immediately return

a call for comment.

The property was scheduled to be auctioned March 19 after

Jackson went into default on the $24.5 million he owes on the

2,500-acre spread in the rolling hills of central California's

wine country.