England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is on the verge of signing a new two-year deal with Newcastle.
Wilkinson is embarking on his second comeback since kicking England to World Cup glory in November 2003 after injuries wrecked last season.
The 25-year-old scored 20 points in a match-winning display against Sale at the weekend and should start England's Six Nations opener against Wales on February 5, slotting in at inside centre with Charlie Hodgson taking the number 10 shirt.
Team-mate Jamie Noon, a player on the fringes of England selection whose chances could profit from injuries to Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood, also looks set to agree a three-year extension.
In recent weeks Newcastle have been busy signing as many players from their squad to new contracts as possible, and have enjoyed considerable success.
Teenager Mathew Tait stays at Kingston Park for a further year, while joint captain Ian Peel and Phil Dowson have agreed two-year extensions.
Former Celtic Warriors openside flanker Cory Harris is rewarded for his form since joining on a short term deal with a two-year contract.
Academy products Micky Ward and Hall Charlton have both also signed new two-year deals, not long after being called up to the England training squad ahead of the autumn internationals.
The Falcons are also very close to finalising contract extensions for fly-half Dave Walder, centre Mark Mayerhofler and wings Tom May and Michael Stephenson.
Falcons boss Rob Andrew said: "We have chosen this particular time to sort out the contracts issue so that we can continue to build and look ahead as a club.
"We have made great strides recently and we are extremely keen not to lose that momentum. By securing the core of our squad for the years ahead, as well as tying up negotiations with some other key players, we have a firm foundation."
