Hull City boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he was one of the Premier League managers spoken to by the Oldham Athletic board during their negotiations to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans.
Oldham's move to sign Evans this week eventually collapsed following a public backlash but the League One side had been willing to hand the Wales international a route back into the game.
Chairman Simon Corney claimed to have spoken to three Premier League bosses when deliberating a move for Evans and among them was Bruce.
"I have to be honest and say yes," said the City boss, confirming he had spoken with Corney.
"I've known him for a lot of years now. In his mind, he'd looked at the case too.
"He was of the opinion to give the kid a chance."
Evans was convicted of rape in April 2012 and was released last year after serving half of a five-year sentence.
Former club Sheffield United and League Two side Hartlepool United had previously pulled the plug on a deal for the 26-year-old and this week's proposed move to Oldham has again made headlines.
Bruce was asked for his opinion on Evans' future and he said: "It's divided opinion, of course. When you look at the case in detail, and I think most people haven't, then certainly Ched has got a case.
"I'm a believer that if you've done your time, that everyone deserves a second chance. We've seen players involved with accidents and given a second chance.
"It must be a frustrating and difficult time for him, like it is for everybody."
