Britney not performing at VMAs, says manager

Britney Spears has dashed hopes she will have a second attempt at a career comeback by taking to the MTV stage later this year for the network's forthcoming Video Music Awards (VMAs).

The pop star shocked audiences last year with a shaky performance of her hit song 'Gimme More', baring her belly and stumbling across the stage.

Spears' comeback performance at the awards show has been rumoured in recent weeks - after her hair stylist Kim Vo reported he was creating styles for the singer's forthcoming show to 'E! News'.

But the singer's manager Larry Rudolph has reportedly denied the claims.

According to Los Angeles radio talk show host Ryan Seacrest, Rudolph has confirmed the star "is in the middle of recording her next album, which is going amazingly well, and was never supposed to perform at that show".

"Britney Spears will not be performing at the VMAs this year. I'm telling you

officially and unequivocally."

However, Spears' involvement in the ceremony has not been totally scrapped - the 'Toxic' singer can be seen in a promotional video with host Russell Brand, rapper LL Cool J, and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz.

She has also secured nominations for two awards at the ceremony - Best Female and Best Pop Video categories, for her track 'Piece of Me'.

The MTV VMAs show is set to air in the US on September 7.