It is being reported that League One football club Oldham Athletic is set to agree a deal to sign Ched Evans.

The 26-year-old striker was released from prison in October after serving half of a five year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011. He still protests his innocence.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has always taken the stance that Evans deserved the chance to resume his career following his release from prison.

A press conference is due to be held on Monday concerning the player.

There has been no official confirmation or denial from Oldham, which last month insisted they would not be offering Evans a contract or an opportunity to train. But it is understood further discussions have taken place since then.

The club has previously signed a former convict as a player.

Lee Hughes, who served three years in prison for causing the death by dangerous driving of father-of-four Douglas Graham in Meriden, near Coventry, in 2004, also signed for Oldham after his release in 2007.

Oldham's reported interest in Evans sparked lively debate on unofficial fans forums, with some supporters saying they would not attend another game at the club's Burnden Park home if Evans signed. Others argued Evans should be given a chance to resume his career.

Reaction on Twitter was similarly divided, with some Oldham fans saying they would stop attending games and others backing the club, saying everyone deserves a second chance.

Evans had an offer to train with his former club Sheffield United withdrawn in November following a backlash from Blades supporters, sponsors and patrons opposed to his return. Some 160,000 people signed a petition against it.

Other clubs including Tranmere and Hartlepool also rejected the opportunity to sign him and a recently touted move abroad to Maltese club Hibernians floundered due to rules on convicted sex offenders and their probation regime.

Evans' spokesman has dismissed reports about the Maltese contract.

The footballer was jailed in April 2012 for raping a woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, North Wales.

The player denied the offence, saying the sex was consensual, but he was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court.