Oxford United boss Karl Robinson is interested in signing controversial Sheffield United striker Ched Evans as reported by the Witney Gazette.
The report claims Robinson is keen on a loan deal for the forward who has a year left on his contract with the Blades. A decent striker is top of Oxford’s shopping list, and Evans fits the bill having scored eighteen goals while on loan at League One rivals Fleetwood Town last season.
However, the thirty-year-old is a controversial figure having spent two and a half years in prison after a subsequently quashed rape conviction.
Evans was eventually found not guilty in a retrial in 2016.
The Gazette reports that Robinson has canvassed the opinion of supporters over the potential signing with the manager telling the paper: ‘As a club, we take tremendous responsibility for people’s actions, but equally everybody in life deserves an opportunity and a chance.’
‘He’s been proven by the law of the land that he was wrongly imprisoned.’
‘We’ve spoken to different people of different ages and genders. The consensus (from fans) has been a positive one.’
Robinson confirmed he was interested in the Wales international who he described as one of the best strikers in League One but admitted he did not know whether a deal was possible at this stage.
Oxford have been linked with Evans for some time with reports also suggesting Portsmouth were eying a move for a player who still divides fan opinion.
Our View
The fact that Robinson felt the need to consult supporters shows how feelings still run high on the circumstances surrounding the Evans trial.
Evans will never win many popularity contests amongst some supporters, but he is a proven goalscorer cleared of any wrongdoing.
He is looking to rebuild his career and putting aside the baggage he brings; he would almost guarantee goals for Oxford next season.
It will be interesting to gauge fan reaction on this one should Robinson get his man.
As an Oxon based Shef Utd supporter, I’m not sure why we would offer a loan deal for Evans. He isn’t close to getting into the first team but is going into the final year of his contract so a loan would effectively be a free transfer. I would imagine this would only be considered if they club are unable to move him on a permanent deal. Either way, following uplifts in his salary due to two promotions, he won’t be cheap.