Burke won 81 caps for Australia

The 34-year-old, who won the World Cup in 1999, will miss the rest of this season with a serious knee injury.

There were fears his career might be over but Falcons director of rugby John Fletcher says talks are well under way.

"His current contract is up at the end of this season, but there is a massive determination on our part to retain his services," Fletcher explained.

"Before suffering his injury Matt was playing some of the best rugby of his career, and even after what was a devastating blow he has remained an extremely positive presence around the team.

"He is a player who still falls firmly into the world-class bracket, and clearly when there is the opportunity to keep such a talent at the club we are keen to make it happen.

"There is nothing concrete in place yet for next season, but what we have seen during our initial meetings with Matt is a commitment from him to look seriously at the option of staying for another season."