League One club Sheffield United will reportedly allow convicted rapist Ched Evans to begin training with them this week so that he can build up his fitness levels.

The 25-year-old was released from prison last month after serving half of a five-year jail term imposed in April 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in 2011.

Sheffield United, Evans's last club, have previously denied reports that they will offer him a new contract and, according to BBC Sport, this latest move is not necessarily a precursor to the Welsh international being given a new deal at Bramall Lane.

Over 150,000 people have signed a petition urging the Blades not to re-sign Evans.

However, others, including the Professional Footballers' Association, believe that the striker has served his punishment and should be able to play again.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre