The family of Ched Evans is ready to financially cover any losses Oldham Athletic suffer from signing the convicted rapist.

Despite the storm of protests, the club are believed to feel that there will not be a mass boycott of sponsors if the striker does join.

The Independent reports they have also put plans in place to cover any financial losses which a protest brings. Karl Massey - the father of Natasha Massey, who is engaged to Evans -is a key part of the contingency plans.

A successful businessman who runs a chain of jewellery stores in north-west England, Massey is understood to have pledged financial backing to make good any money which Oldham's sponsors withdraw in protest. He is also ready to provide a cash incentive which will cover Evans' wages until the end of the season. Massey has a personal connection to Oldham's chairman and owner, Simon Corney, another Mancunian entrepreneur.