A deal has been agreed for convicted rapist Ched Evans to play for Oldham Athletic, the club's sponsors say.

They have been told to prepare for an announcement confirming the signing of Evans on Thursday or Friday, the BBC has learnt.

One sponsor, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, has now ended its association with the club as a result.

Director Craig Verling said the "imminent signing" of Evans, 26, had prompted the decision.
He added: "We would like to take this opportunity to make clear that we feel that Mr Evans should be able to lead a life without further punishment after serving his sentence, although our feelings remain the same that this should not be within the public domain where his previous behaviour may influence the next generation.
"We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons, but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message."

Oldham said there would be no statement today but hope to make a statement tomorrow.
Wales international Evans was expected to join the Latics on a long-term deal and train with the club on Monday.

But the move met with widespread opposition, stalling the deal.

His representatives have since been in talks with the club and the Professional Footballers' Association.

More than 60,000 people have signed a petition calling for Oldham not to sign the Wales international, while sponsors, campaigners and politicians voiced opposition to the move.
On Wednesday the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, added to those calls, telling BBC Radio Manchester Evans was not a suitable role model.

A counter-petition calling for Evans to be given a second chance has attracted more than 2,000 signatures, while some sponsors have also said he should be given a second chance.
Evans was jailed in April 2012 for raping a woman in Rhyl, North Wales.

He was released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence.
The former Manchester City and Sheffield United player continues to protest his innocence, and an investigation into his conviction by the Criminal Cases Review Commission is under way.

Evans has already held talks with former club Sheffield United about a return to football, but they decided against signing him following criticism from supporters and club patrons, while more than 160,000 people signed a petition against his return.

The Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) said fans were split over the issue of whether Evans should be given a chance to play professional football again.

An FSF spokesman said: "There is no clear consensus from fans one way or the other - this is clearly a very divisive issue in society, not just among supporters."