News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Convicted rapist footballer Ched Evans will return to Sheffield United this summer on day-release from prison.

And if the striker’s fitness levels are up to scratch, he will sign a £3million three-year contract before Christmas.

Evans, 25, is due to be fully released in October after serving half of his five years for raping a 19-year-old woman.

But the Welsh international will be allowed out on day-release from July and will return to Bramhall Lane for pre-season training while tagged.

Negotiations to bring back Evans started after Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah bin Mossad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, one of the world’s richest men and co-owner of Sheffield United, gave a nod of approval for his return.

Since then manager Nigel Clough and co-chairman Kevin McCabe have frequently visited him behind bars.

A source said: “The prince has sets his sights on promotion next season. He wants an elite team.

(Image: PA)

“As Ched is Sheffield United’s top goal scorer the prince gave royal approval for his return. It’s now up to the club to sort things out.

“Ched will first sign an ­interim three-month contract in July while on day-release. He has been training hard while in prison.

"He is confident his fitness levels will be up to the mark and he will rejoin his team mates fully by the end of the year.

“As long as he passes the tests, he will sign a new £18,000-a-week deal.”

Supporters’ club chairman Pete Whitney, 78, confirmed: “Ched is ­coming back. He has his prime years ahead of him.

“I am sure he will get a good reception but of course there might be a small minority who will object.”

Evans was found guilty of raping a woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, North Wales, in April 2012.

He admitted having sex but has ­always claimed it was consensual and plans to appeal against his conviction.

His friend, former Port Vale and Walsall defender Clayton McDonald, also admitted having sex with the same woman but was cleared of rape.

Evans was transferred to Sheffield United in 2009 from Manchester City for £3million. He scored 35 goals for the League One club in 2011/12.

Evans’s girlfriend Natasha Massey, who has always ­championed his innocence, revealed to the Sunday People two weeks ago how she is standing by him and plans to get engaged.

Beauty therapist Natasha, 25, who visits Evans twice a week, said: “Ched loves the club and supporters. He wants his old job back.”