Ched Evans has agreed personal terms with League One club Oldham Athletic, as a potential switch to Bounday Park looks imminent for the striker, according to reports.

After lengthy discussions with the Professional Footballers Association, a deal looks to be settled with Lee Johnson’s side and the convicted rapist. A petition circulated the nation and gained an impressive 62,000 signatures – many with no involvement in football – but has failed to put off the Latics.

The club chairman Simon Corney believes Evans has the right to play professional football again regardless of the outcry.

Ironically also known as “The Convicts”, a club spokesman announced “There will be no statement on Wednesday about Ched Evans but hopefully on Thursday there will be.” Nevertheless, the club chairman Simon Corney believes Evans has the right to play professional football again regardless of the outcry.

The business was believed to be weighing up the financial difficulties and affects the deal could have on the club, after Sheffield United – the player’s former side – rejected the chance to re-sign the Manchester City youth product after allowing him to train following his release from prison. Oldham were believed to be the fifth club in discussions after he release in October, with half of the five-year sentenced served for rape.

Despite the expected criticism and abuse the League One club could face, Evans has consistently maintained his innocence, accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2012. Linked with Hartlepool United and Tranmere Rovers, both clubs decided against signing the prolific goalscorer, while Maltese side’s Hibernians attempted signing was prevented by the Ministry of Justice.

Many notable figures have spoken out about the possibility of the former convict returning to his profession, with Labour leader Ed Miliband saying: “He hasn’t shown remorse and I wouldn’t take him on." Political leader David Cameron also added that he expected any club considering hiring Evans to think carefully.

A spokesman for the prime minister said: “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.”

Main sponsors Sports Direct, whose chairman is Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, are yet to comment on the situation.

The club are also expecting some financial losses for the deal, with Verlin Rainwater Solutions – the sponsors of the main stand at Bounday Park - previously threatening to withdraw their support if a contract was offered. Main sponsors Sports Direct, whose chairman is Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, are yet to comment on the situation. Mecca Bingo also announced their agreement with the club could be ceased, tweeting: “We can confirm [we] will be ending our association with @OfficialOAFC if they sign Ched Evans.”

Oldham previously recruited Lee Hughes in 2007 following his release from prison, having been sentenced to six years while serving three. An investigation into the conviction of Ched Evans by the Criminal Cases Review Commission is continuing.

Evans could be available for the first-team squad at the Latics’ welcome Doncaster Rovers as early as Saturday.