Ched Evans announcement due on Thursday: Oldham Athletic

London: English third-tier club Oldham Athletic revealed on Wednesday that they hope to make an announcement about their interest in convicted rapist Ched Evans on Thursday.

Oldham are in talks over a deal to sign the 26-year-old Welsh striker, who was released from jail last October after serving half of a five-year prison sentence for rape, despite local outcry against the move.

"There will be no statement on Wednesday about Ched Evans, but hopefully on Thursday there will be," an Oldham spokesman told British newspaper The Guardian.

British media reports claim that Evans has agreed personal terms with Oldham, who are currently in 14th place in League One.

Over 50,000 people have signed a petition calling on Oldham not to sign Evans, while two of the club`s sponsors have threatened to end their involvement with the club if the move goes through.

British Prime Minister David Cameron waded into the debate on Tuesday, warning clubs to "weigh their decisions very carefully" before attempting to sign the former Wales international.

Evans`s former club Sheffield United allowed him to train with them last year at the request of British players` union the Professional Footballers` Association.

But they withdrew their offer in November after a backlash from fans, sponsors and club patrons, with over 165,000 people signing a petition against it.