Toulon could sign Cipriani

French club Toulon will lose the services of England's Jonny Wilkinson, Argentina's Felipe Contepomi and Australia's Matt Giteau during the World Cup in September and October, and Whitford acknowledges the need for a short-term replacement able to fill in at number 10.

"We are in contact with a lot of players in France and abroad," Whitford said.

"Danny has a good pedigree but it is all speculation at the moment. We are looking for a 10 who can play in the Top 14 during the World Cup."

Cipriani is out of favour with England manager Martin Johnson and is not expected to feature in the World Cup.

With the regular Super Rugby season coming to an end in June and the Rebels unlikely to make the play-offs, the 23-year-old would appear an obvious choice for Toulon.

Coming to the end of his first season in Super Rugby with new franchise the Rebels, the former Wasps man has been tipped to move on following the recruitment of Kurtley Beale from the Waratahs.

"We are in contact with numerous players," Whitford added.

"I can't confirm as such whether we have been in contact with Cipriani's representatives or not, but he is obviously a talented player, and we try to sign talented players who would bring a lot to the team."

Whitford also alluded to the significant media attention Cipriani has attracted in his short career, not always for the right reasons. His latest indiscretion came in February, when he was banned from a Melbourne nightclub and fined by his club after allegedly helping himself to a bottle of vodka.

"Cipriani is a high-profile player, not just on the pitch but off it as well," Whitford said.

"We would like to concentrate on players performing on the pitch but of course he is a good player, he has a good pedigree and he has played for England."