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Rugby Union

Falcons hopeful of Wilko stay

30/12/2007

Newcastle Falcons have insisted they are confident Jonny Wilkinson will sign a new deal in January.

The England fly-half's current deal expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a move to the Leicester Tigers.

His mentor Steve Black left the Falcons as fitness coach earlier this month, fuelling speculation that Wilkinson would leave Kingston Park.

Wilkinson, 28, booted over two conversions and a penalty today to help the Falcons beat Saracens 22-19 in the Guinness Premiership.

Head coach John Fletcher said he expects Wilkinson to sign an extended deal next month.

"We're talking with Jonny Wilkinson and those talks will continue in the New Year," Fletcher said.

"We're due to meet with his management in early January and we've no reason to believe he won't sign.

"Ultimately he's got to do what's best for him, but he's on record as saying he loves the region, the way we play and where we're going.

"As a side we've been competitive for a period of time. We've added to the squad in terms of quality and we're bringing through a number of good younger players."

Wilkinson has been at the Falcons since the start of his career in 1998.