Jonny Wilkinson is ready to end his 12 years at Newcastle Falcons and move to France.

Wilkinson and his advisers will meet with officials from Toulon, one of several clubs keen to secure the services of the England fly-half, in the next 48 hours.

Toulon play Perpignan this weekend and Wilkinson and his managers are set for talks with Mourad Boudjellal, the multi-millionaire club president who has bankrolled Toulon's return to the French top division.

From next season, Toulon will be coached by Philippe Saint-Andre, the former Sale Sharks director of rugby.

Wilkinson is due to make his latest comeback - from a dislocated knee - against Bath at the Recreation Ground a week tomorrow.

If Wilkinson goes to play in France he will follow James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer, the London Wasps and England trio, who have all decided to move over the Channel next season.

Wilkinson will want assurances from any new club, and also from team manager Martin Johnson, that any move abroad will not affect his chances of playing for England again.

The 29-year-old has a year left on his deal at Newcastle and any move would be subject to a stringent medical examination given the succession of injuries that have dogged the England star, who has been capped 70 times during his career.

But a move would appear imminent after Phil Wilkinson, his father, was spotted in Toulon by the French press last week and he has been to Bayonne, who also play in the Top 14.