Toulon make Wilkinson bid

Jonny Wilkinson could be one step closer to leaving the Guinness Premiership after Toulon's incoming director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed the player's representatives were in talks with the French club.

World Cup-winning fly-half Wilkinson has been linked consistently with a move to the Top 14, following England colleagues Riki Flutey, James Haskell and Tom Palmer, and it now seems that formal negotiations have been opened.

Wilkinson, 29, has not played for Newcastle Falcons, his only professional club, since suffering the latest in a long line of injury problems against Gloucester on September 30 and last represented his country more than a year ago.

Saint-Andre, who is leaving Sale Sharks to join Toulon, told BBC Sport: “Jonny's people are in talks with the Toulon chairman.

“I would obviously like to have as many good players as possible next season and Jonny is a top-quality player.

“I have heard that a couple of other French clubs are in for him and there is also of course the option for him to stay at Newcastle.”

The BBC also claim that Wilkinson's agent, Tim Buttimore, described talks with Toulon as “ongoing”.