Sheffield United deny reports of Ched Evans contract offer

Sheffield United have denied reports that they have offered a new contract to convicted rapist Ched Evans.

Evans, who was jailed in 2012, was released from prison on Friday after serving half of a five-year sentence.

A Blades statement that refuted a newspaper report said: "Sheffield United has become aware of speculative media coverage concerning the immediate future of its former player Ched Evans.

"An article in The Sun [on Saturday] 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."

Despite his conviction, striker Evans has always denied the offence.