Oldham Athletic could pull out of their move for striker Ched Evans.

The convicted rapist, 26, was set to join on a long-term deal and train with the League One club on Monday.

More than 20,000 people have signed an online petition urging the Latics not to sign Evans, raising the prospect of a dramatic U-turn by shocked officials.

Labour leader Ed Miliband, who believes footballers are role models, says he would not sign Evans if he was in Oldham's "shoes".

"He hasn't shown remorse and I wouldn't take him on," Miliband told BBC Radio Manchester.

Meanwhile, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, which sponsors Oldham's main stand, has announced that it will end its association with the club if Evans signs.

Oldham are due to hold a board meeting today and an announcement will be made by Tuesday afternoon.

Wales international Evans is now unlikely to train with the club on Monday, as initially planned.

On Sunday, Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor told the BBC he would not appear at a planned news conference on Monday to support the move.

This news disappointed some at Oldham and has made it significantly less likely they will sign Evans.

Oldham's board believe Evans has served his time and deserves a chance to resume his career.

But with thousands of people having signed an online petition against the move, the club is increasingly worried about any criticism and the response of sponsors.

Evans has already held talks with former club Sheffield United about a return to football, but decided against signing him.

Maltese club Hibernians also offered him a deal but the Ministry of Justice said rules prevented Evans from working abroad.

If Oldham signed Evans, it would not be the first time they have brought in a striker who had served a prison sentence.

In 2007, they signed Lee Hughes after the former West Bromwich Albion striker had served half of a six-year prison term for causing death by dangerous driving.

Following his release from prison, Evans was offered the use of Sheffield United's training facilities.

However, the Blades backtracked after a backlash from supporters and club patrons. More than 160,000 people also signed a petition protesting against his return.

Hartlepool also ruled out signing Evans after manager Ronnie Moore suggested he was considering a deal for the Welshman.

"We've had a number of steps forward and a number of steps back," he said. "I'm not going to count my chickens."