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Wales centre Gavin Henson has been released from his Saracens contract with immediate effect, the English Premiership club have confirmed.
A Saracens statement said Henson asked to be released from his contract to fuel speculation that the 28-year-old will make a move to France.
Henson, who made his Saracens debut only six weeks ago, is expected to join fellow star Jonny Wilkinson at Toulon.
"We wish Gavin all the best for the future," said Sarries chief Nigel Wray.
The 29-year-old has played four games for Saracens since joining the London side until the end of this season from Welsh region the Ospreys in October last year.
But BBC Sport understands Toulon made enquiries about Henson regarding a move to the Heineken Cup quarter-finalists until the end of the season.
Toulon had initially expressed an interest for Henson to join next season and after any potential Rugby World Cup duties with Wales.
But reports suggested that Toulon's move for Henson may have been accelerated as the French Top 14 side require urgent cover at fly-half.
And French sports newspaper L'Equipe reported that Henson met Toulon head coach Phillipe Saint Andre and millionaire club owner Mourad Boudjellal, the millionaire comic-book publisher, for lunch in Toulon on Wednesday.
Saracens, who had agreed to help Henson back to full fitness following his high-profile 18 month rugby sabbatical, then released a statement on Wednesday night confirming that they had complied with Henson's wish to be released from his contract.
And Sarries chairman Wray wished him well "as he continues his return to the highest level of the game."
Toulon team manager Tom Whitford has admitted there is a vacancy in their squad for a "medical joker" under special regulations to replace injured players.
And Toulon would have to negotiate financial compensation with Saracens if the French side want Henson immediately as the 31-times capped Welshman has a deal at Saracens until the summer.
Big-spending Toulon are currently without England fly-half Wilkinson, who is on Six Nations duty, while Argentine star Felipe Contepomi is injured.
Toulon are yet to confirm reports that double Welsh Grand Slam winner Henson is to join their star-studded roster.
Reports in L'Equipe claim that an announcement could be made as early as Thursday and there is a suggestion that he could make his Toulon Top 14 debut against Brive on 11 February.
Henson missed out on a place in Wales' Six Nations squad because he sustained a calf injury in their Heineken Cup game at Leinster last month.
But Henson, who is apparently wanted by a number of clubs next season, is expected to return to fitness within the next two weeks.
Henson has spoken of his desire to represent Wales at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which takes place in New Zealand in September and October, and Toulon are among a number of clubs hoping to sign him after rugby's showpiece.
Henson's Welsh international team-mates James Hook and Lee Byrne have recently agreed moves to France next season as versatile Hook has signed for Perpignan and full-back Byrne is to join Clermont Auvergne after the Rugby World Cup.
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A Saracens statement said Henson asked to be released from his contract to fuel speculation that the 28-year-old will make a move to France.
Henson, who made his Saracens debut only six weeks ago, is expected to join fellow star Jonny Wilkinson at Toulon.
"We wish Gavin all the best for the future," said Sarries chief Nigel Wray.
The 29-year-old has played four games for Saracens since joining the London side until the end of this season from Welsh region the Ospreys in October last year.
But BBC Sport understands Toulon made enquiries about Henson regarding a move to the Heineken Cup quarter-finalists until the end of the season.
Toulon had initially expressed an interest for Henson to join next season and after any potential Rugby World Cup duties with Wales.
But reports suggested that Toulon's move for Henson may have been accelerated as the French Top 14 side require urgent cover at fly-half.
And French sports newspaper L'Equipe reported that Henson met Toulon head coach Phillipe Saint Andre and millionaire club owner Mourad Boudjellal, the millionaire comic-book publisher, for lunch in Toulon on Wednesday.
Saracens, who had agreed to help Henson back to full fitness following his high-profile 18 month rugby sabbatical, then released a statement on Wednesday night confirming that they had complied with Henson's wish to be released from his contract.
And Sarries chairman Wray wished him well "as he continues his return to the highest level of the game."
Toulon team manager Tom Whitford has admitted there is a vacancy in their squad for a "medical joker" under special regulations to replace injured players.
And Toulon would have to negotiate financial compensation with Saracens if the French side want Henson immediately as the 31-times capped Welshman has a deal at Saracens until the summer.
Big-spending Toulon are currently without England fly-half Wilkinson, who is on Six Nations duty, while Argentine star Felipe Contepomi is injured.
Toulon are yet to confirm reports that double Welsh Grand Slam winner Henson is to join their star-studded roster.
Reports in L'Equipe claim that an announcement could be made as early as Thursday and there is a suggestion that he could make his Toulon Top 14 debut against Brive on 11 February.
Henson missed out on a place in Wales' Six Nations squad because he sustained a calf injury in their Heineken Cup game at Leinster last month.
But Henson, who is apparently wanted by a number of clubs next season, is expected to return to fitness within the next two weeks.
Henson has spoken of his desire to represent Wales at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which takes place in New Zealand in September and October, and Toulon are among a number of clubs hoping to sign him after rugby's showpiece.
Henson's Welsh international team-mates James Hook and Lee Byrne have recently agreed moves to France next season as versatile Hook has signed for Perpignan and full-back Byrne is to join Clermont Auvergne after the Rugby World Cup.
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