Oldham says 80 percent chance League One club will sign convicted rapist Evans

League One club Oldham Athletic owner Simon Corney has said that there is an 80 percent chance that the club would sign convicted rapist and former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans.

Corney revealed that the deal could happen at any time, but admitted that it wasn't straightforward and there were some legal issues to overcome first. He said that they believe Evans has served his time.

Oldham's sponsors have been told to prepare for confirmation of the Evans deal, the BBC reported.

Oldham, who are 14th in League One, said that there would be no statement on Wednesday but hope to make an announcement later in the week.

Speaking after a third day of talks between club board members and other parties, Oldham director Barry Owen said that there are ongoing negotiations with regard to signing Evans, adding that unfortunately there is quite a lot of due diligence which still needs to be completed.

Owen claimed that they are still in talks with the PFA and other agencies.

One sponsor, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, has now ended its association with Oldham, with the sponsor's director Craig Verling stating the imminent signing of Evans as the reason that prompted the decision.

A second sponsor, ZenOffice, has said that it would also end its association with the club if Evans signs.

Wales international Evans was expected to join Oldham on a long-term deal and train with the club on Monday. But the move met with widespread opposition, stalled the deal, the report added.