Rugby:Incoming director of rugby at Toulon Philippe Saint-Andre claims the Top 14 club is in talks with Newcastle outhalf Jonny Wilkinson over a move to the French side.
Wilkinson’s future has been heavily speculated on over recent months and Toulon has always been mooted as a possible destination, but today’s comments from the outgoing Sale coach to the BBC, add currency to the rumours.
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."
BBC also claim that Wilkinson's agent, Tim Buttimore, described talks with Toulon as "ongoing".
If he moved, the World Cup-winner would be following England colleagues Riki Flutey, James Haskell and Tom Palmer, and would face direct competition from Leinster’s Felipe Contepomi for a place in the French side, after the Argentinean agreed to move at the end of the season.
Toulon also have the likes of Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga, Joe van Niekerk and Sonny Bill Williams on their books, thanks to the patronship of millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal.
