An Oldham Athletic sponsor has ended its association with the club in protest over what it said was the "imminent signing" of convicted rapist Ched Evans, as speculation mounts that a deal is being negotiated.
Discussions between the League One club and the Professional Footballers' Association have continued over the possible signing of the 26-year-old, despite vociferous opposition.
Verlin Rainwater Solutions, one of Oldham's sponsors, announced today it had ended their association with the club due to the "imminent signing" of Evans.
"There will be no statement on Wednesday about Ched Evans but hopefully on a Thursday there will be," a club spokesman told The Guardian.
There have also been reports that Evans and the club have agreed personal terms ahead of any signing.
Another Oldham sponsor, ZenOffice, warned it would sever its five-year relationship with the club if the Evans signing went ahead.
The company said: "ZenOffice do not agree that the current path OAFC are embarking on espouses these values. Therefore it is with much regret that ZenOffice would like to confirm that we will end our association with Oldham Athletic Football Club if the move goes ahead to sign Ched Evans."
Oldham and the PFA were expected to resume talks over the possibility of the club signing Evans.
The PFA and Oldham were close to agreeing a joint statement on Tuesday but there were several outstanding issues, with the club seeking a number of reassurances.
The decision over Evans has divided fans and even British Prime Minister David Cameron has become involved.
Asked at a regular Westminster news briefing whether Cameron thought Evans should be given a new footballing contract, the Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: "His view hasn't changed [from] ... the time when there were reports around Sheffield United.
"Ultimately, it is for employers to take decisions, but the Prime Minister does think that footballers are role models and he is sure that any potential would-be clubs and employers will weigh their decisions very carefully."
Evans was released from prison last October halfway through a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman.
Since then, he has been rejected by Hartlepool and Tranmere.
Former club Sheffield United offered the striker a chance to train with them last November, but they retracted the invitation after it caused uproar.
Oldham, however, chose to begin a second round of negotiations with the Welshman, despite insisting last month that they would not sign Evans. It has led to more than 35,000 people signing an online petition urging them not to do so.
The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) said fans were split over the issue of whether Evans should be given the chance to play professional football again.
An FSF spokesman said: "There is no clear consensus from fans one way or the other - this is clearly a very divisive issue in society, not just among supporters.
"Some fans argue that footballers convicted of offences such as rape should never be allowed to play professionally again as it is such a serious crime.
"Other supporters say that once an individual is released from prison, they should be allowed to pursue their previous career so long as the law of the land allows it.
"Even if Evans has the right to play, some fans say they would still feel uncomfortable at the implications of a convicted rapist representing their club."
