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Sheffield United deny they have offered Ched Evans a contract

Ched Evans
Image: Ched Evans: Sheffield United deny offering him a contract

Sheffield United have denied reports that the club have offered a contract to former player Ched Evans following his release from prison.

The Wales striker was released from jail on Friday morning after serving half of a five-year sentence for rape and newspaper reports had claimed that Evans had been offered a two-year contract by former club Sheffield United.

But the League One side have issued a statement strongly denying the reports and saying they are "continuing to deliberate" on whether to re-sign the convicted rapist.      

The brief statement read: "Sheffield United has become aware of speculative media coverage concerning the immediate future of its former player Ched Evans. 

"An article in The Sun today (Saturday 18 October) that Sheffield United has offered a contract to former player Ched Evans is false and damaging to the club. 

"We have made a statement on this matter previously and the lack of credibility and substance from this latest media report does not warrant any expansion from previous comments apart from noting that we are continuing to deliberate on any long term decision about Ched Evans."

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PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor believes convicted sex offender Ched Evans has the right to earn a living playing football again

Evans' future was a backdrop to United's 2-0 win at Bradford on Saturday, before and during which some fans sang songs of support for their former player.

However, Blades boss Nigel Clough flat-batted questions about Evans following the game.

He said: "As soon as they (the owners) have something to say they will say it.

"They have already denied a story today. Until we make a statement I can't comment on it.There is nothing to comment on until the decision is made."

Evans, 25, who has won 13 caps for Wales, was jailed at Caernarfon Crown Court in April 2012 after being found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, North Wales in May 2011.

Evans posted a statement on his website after being released from jail on Friday saying he will continue to fight to clear his name.

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