Speculation over Jonny Wilkinson's future in England has intensified after the Newcastle Falcons completed the signing of Blues fly-half Jimmy Gopperth.

The 2003 World Cup winner Wilkinson has been linked with a move to France to play for Toulon and the Falcons have moved swiftly to sign Gopperth on a three-year contract.

The 25-year-old will be a standout performer in England, according to Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates.

"Jimmy is an outstanding talent who has excelled at Super 14 level, and has the ability to really steer this team forward," Bates told the club's website.

"There is quality about everything he does, he is at just the right age."

Gopperth will join former All Blacks prop Carl Hayman and former teammate at Wellington and the Hurricanes, Tane Tu'ipulotu.

Wilkinson's future is still uncertain because of ongoing injuries and reports linking him with a shift to French club Toulon.

"Jimmy is a fantastic goal kicker who links well, scores tries and leads the backline in a very expert manner with his tactical kicking," Bates said.

"The reports from guys like Carl Hayman and Tane Tu'ipulotu ... have all been excellent and we are excited about the prospect of having him on board."

Gopperth is contracted to begin in November after he contests the Air NZ Cup with North Harbour, although Bates hoped the shift could happen sooner.

"We are pushing hard to secure an early release from that so he can join us for pre-season in July."

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