That will be a relief to Newcastle, who had feared losing England’s World Cup-winning fly half after the departure of Steve Black, the fitness coach and Wilkinson’s close confidant. Black left Newcastle abruptly before Christmas and it seemed inevitable that Wilkinson, 28, would seek a fresh challenge, possibly at Leicester.

Talks have been held between Wilkinson’s advisers and the club to establish their position, given the upheaval and the effect that Black’s exit would have had on the player, who is out of contract at the end of this season. Now that has been resolved, Wilkinson has indicated that he is content to continue at Newcastle, the club he joined as an 18-year-old and who he believes are beginning to put together a team capable of making a realistic challenge for honours.

The deal is also likely to include an enhanced position for Mark Wilkinson, Jonny’s brother, and the club’s academy fitness and conditioning coach.