Oldham Athletic have revealed that they are yet to make a decision about whether to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.

The former Sheffield United striker, 26, has been trying to find a new club after being released from prison in October. Evans served half of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel.

Evans had been linked with a move to Oldham before thousands of people signed a petition urging the League One club not to offer the Welshman a contract.

"Oldham Athletic is not at this stage making any official announcement with regard to the speculation concerning Ched Evans," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Whilst acknowledging the considerable media attention, we continue to have conversations with representative bodies such as the PFA and will conduct due diligence with regard to any decision we make on this matter.

"Although it has been reported that a press conference would be held we will officially advise if and when any such event will take place. The club would also request that its stakeholders and partners position and privacy be respected until this matter has been concluded."

Sponsors of Oldham have claimed that they would sever all ties with the club if Evans was to become a player at Boundary Park.