Ched Evans offered contract by Maltese club

Former Sheffield United footballer and convicted rapist Ched Evans has been offered a contract by Maltese side Hibernians.

Evans has been unable to find a route back into English football since being released from prison in October.

Hibernians - who sit 15 points clear at the top of Malta's top-flight - said Evans "fits the bill" of the top striker they were looking for.

Club vice-president Stephen Vaughan told Press Association Sport: "We are looking to secure the services of a top striker and Ched fits the bill.

"We've spoken to his agent and have offered a deal from now until the end of the season."

Evans served two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in 2011.

He was initially given permission to train with former side Sheffield United but this was subsequently retracted after a huge backlash.

Tranmere, Oldham and Hartlepool also reportedly rejected the chance to sign the Welshman.