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Billboard.com reports that out pop star George Michael is close to signing a deal with Universal Music U.K., who would release a new single in the first quarter of 2002, with the option on Michael's side to release one album with the company as well. Universal is one of several companies keen to work with Michael--he also recently had meetings with Warner Music Group chairman Roger Ames, Warner Music U.K. chairman Nick Phillips, Sony Music Europe president Paul Burger, and Zomba Group chairman Clive Calder, among others. Michael's official Web site says that the singer is in his home studio working on an album that will be "very 'up' and George at his very best."
