England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been linked to a move big-spending Toulon, with the French club admitting they would like to sign the Newcastle star.

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has ploughed big money into the club of late and hopes o build a side capable of challenging France's traditional superpowers such as Stade Francais and Toulouse.

He has already helped to attract New Zealand rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams to the club and now Wilkinson could be a target.

He said: "I know another French club made a big offer for Wilkinson and, if he was available, I would be interested. But I'm not Roman Abramovich."

Toulon coach Tana Umaga added: "It's possible to see someone like Wilkinson ending up in Toulon.

"It's a working-class town, a tough town, but Mourad has done wonderful things for it. Without him, we would not be here, I would not be here."

Wilkinson, who has played a key role in England's runs to the last two World Cup finals, signed a new contract with Newcastle earlier this year.

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