England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has agreed terms for a new two-year contract at Newcastle, despite the club's position at the foot of the Zurich Premiership.

But it is understood the also includes a get-out clause should Newcastle be relegated and not win promotion at the first attempt.

But Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew is confident his captain will remain at Kingston Park.

"Jonny has just agreed a new two-year extension to his contract," Andrew told the Daily Mail.

"Our league position will not change that. Jonny is keen to stay.

"He is obviously concerned about the club's position but, if the worst came to the worst, he would want to put it right.

"That's the kind of person he is."

Wilkinson's current deal with the Falcons runs out at the end of the season.

He is currently taking a short break as he recovers from a shoulder injury, but expects to be back training in two weeks.

He will receive the results of a precautionary scan next week after which he hopes to be given the all-clear.

The Falcons have already boosted their fight against relegation with the addition of South African flanker Warren Britz and former All Blacks centre Mark Mayerhofler.