The majority of clubs in the Women's Super League (WSL) would prefer the top-flight division to be run independently rather than taken over by the Premier League, according to the Guardian, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The Premier League has been linked with assuming control of the WSL from national governing body the Football Association (FA) since last July, when it was reported that England's top-flight men's league was edging closer to a takeover of its female equivalent.

It was then reported in February that the Premier League would revisit the idea of a takeover in a year after presenting its clubs with the findings of a feasibility study into the proposition.

However, according to the Guardian, the 12 WSL clubs believe that independent leadership would result in a more holistic approach towards the growth of the women's game.

The British daily said there is a fear among the 12 WSL clubs that the women's competition would play 'second fiddle' to the Premier League were a takeover to go through.

The report added that while the WSL would benefit from greater financial investment, the clubs believe the Premier League's focus would predominantly be on commercialising the competition, rather than carrying on the wider work done by the FA in areas such as coach and player development and dual career pathways.

Any decision on a takeover will ultimately be made by the Women's Super League and Championship board, which comprises six club representatives, three from the FA and three independent performance and commercial experts, including an independent chair.