Britney Spears’ former manager hopes to rekindle his friendship with the
troubled singer.

Sam Lutfi was prevented from seeing Britney after her parents took a
restraining order out against him following her breakdown earlier this year,
believing he was a negative influence on the ‘Toxic’ singer.

Sam is due in court for a review of the order – which forbids him from being
closer than 250 yards away from the star - on July 31 and is said to be
hopeful it will be lifted.

A source told In Touch Weekly magazine: “Sam believes that he and Britney
are still friends. If the restraining order is lifted, he’ll be back in her
life for sure.”

According to the insider, Sam still denies allegations made by Britney’s
mother Lynne that he drugged the singer and controlled her medications.

The source added: “Sam insists it will come out that the restraining order
was against the wrong guy. So lifting the order would give him the chance to
protect Britney from the vultures out there.”

Sam is due in court the same day Britney’s father’s co-conservator role is
set to be reviewed.

Jamie is currently jointly responsible for Britney’s personal and
professional affairs.

Meanwhile, Britney’s lawyer claims she is happy with the outcome of her
custody case, which saw ex-husband Kevin Federline retain custody of their
two sons, Sean Preston, two and Jayden James, 22 months.

Laura Wasser said: “It's a victory for both sides. They both want what's
best for the kids and they both wanted to avoid a trial. They thought it
wasn't necessary or cost-effective. There was never a fight over custody.

That wasn't the issue. The issue was about getting more time with the boys.

"Britney's doing great. The difference in her from the beginning of the year
is astonishing. She's very excited to have her kids overnight. She will have
more custodial time by the end of the year.”

Under the agreement, Britney – who was described as “happy” in a public
appearance at Jenny McCarthy's autism charity Generation Rescue on Saturday
(07/19/08) - can receive three day visits and two overnight stays with her
sons.