Ex-Sheffield United forward Ched Evans 'released from prison this morning'

Former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans was reportedly released from prison this morning after serving half of his sentence for rape.

The 25-year-old has been behind bars for the last two years after he was convicted in 2012 of raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel back in May the previous year.

According to BBC Sport, Evans, who is believed to be keen on a return to football, walked out of jail this morning.

The Blades have held discussions with manager Nigel Clough about the possibility of re-signing the forward, but a number of fans are opposed to his return.

An online petition calling for the club not to take Evans back has acquired almost 150,000 signatures.