Oldham board meets to discuss Ched Evans amid protests at possible deal, yes why not,

Sky sources say Ched Evans is now unlikely to train with Oldham today as the club's board meets to discuss his future.

Oldham were expected to announce the signing of convicted rapist Evans at a Monday press conference, but reports of the deal led to an online petition which had attracted around 20,000 signatures by Sunday evening.

A statement from the League One club is due at some stage on Monday, but in the meantime it is understood plans to integrate the Wales international into a morning training session are on hold.

Evans has been without a club since he was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for rape.

The 26-year-old initially trained with former employers Sheffield United, who then distanced themselves from the player after protests from several influential supporters - including Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill.

A Maltese club last week said it had offered Evans a contract, but the player's spokesman denied that and a statement from the Ministry of Justice then effectively ruled out the prospect of him leaving the country.

Oldham said at the start of December they would not be employing Evans, but players' union chief Gordon Taylor revealed on Sunday a League One club would be announcing a deal 24 hours later.