England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is in talks with Toulon over a switch to the French club from Newcastle, according to a report on Thursday.

Injury-plagued Wilkinson has been out of action since dislocating his knee playing for Newcastle against Gloucester in September, but he is already planning for next season and a move to Toulon could be on the cards.

Philippe Saint-Andre, who takes over as Toulon's director of rugby on 1 July, 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."

Wilkinson's agent, Tim Buttimore, confirmed that talks with Toulon had started and added that Wilkinson had not been personally involved in the negotiations as he was "fully focused on getting back to fitness with Newcastle".

Paris team Racing Metro are also believed to be interested in signing the 29-year-old and, with Toulon, who are bankrolled by millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal, still not certain of their place in France's Top 14, Saint-Andre, who is currently director of rugby at Sale Sharks, admitted the Wilkinson deal is some way from completion.

"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," he said.

If Wilkinson joins Toulon, he would become the fifth England player to make the switch to France.

Fly-half Andy Goode moved to Brive last year and Riki Flutey will join him there at the end of the season, while James Haskell and Tom Palmer have signed for Stade Francais.

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