Sunderland chairman Stuart Donald has spoken to the Sunderland Echo and confirmed that his club did have an interest in signing Sheffield United striker Ched Evans last week.

The controversial Blades striker, who has bagged 12 goals in a loan spell with Fleetwood Town this week, was one of a number of names that Donald and manager Jack Ross expressed an interest in during the final hours of the window, but ultimately the Black Cats decided not to follow up interest with the Blades man.

However, Donald insists it was for footballing reasons only, and nothing else, that Sunderland moved away from a potential deal.

"I know (Sheffield United manager) Chris Wilder well and I phoned him directly and asked him 'who you got, who you looking to move out because we need a striker'.

"He gave me a couple of names of people out there and I mentioned him (Evans), and we said to Sheffield United that we may be be interested. Jack talked it through and again it was a footballing decision. We got down the avenue of having a conversation and then Jack said 'I think we want to go in a different direction, so no thank you'. added Donald.

Evans was sentenced to prison back in 2012 after being found guilty of rape, however, his conviction was quashed in 2016 when new evidence was presented and ultimately overturned the original case.

The former Wales striker was signed by Sheffield United following a short spell with Chesterfield, however, he has failed to make an impact under Chris Wilder and looks set to leave the club on a permanent basis if his form can continue as it is for Fleetwood.

The Verdict

It's good to see some honesty from chairmen once in a while and this is bang on the money really.

Evans would have done a job for Sunderland but the manager ultimately should decide who he wants to sign, and Jack Ross seemingly has that say so at the Stadium of Light.