Serious doubt has been cast over the future of Reading Women after a takeover bid fell apart at the final stages.

Fears had been growing in recent weeks over the future of the set-up, which had been among the finest in the country, and a petition was set up in hopes of convincing potential buyers to save it.

Funding from current owner Dai Yongge was not forthcoming to keep the team at the second tier, but a takeover bid had been accepted for solely the women's side.

The Reading Chronicle understands that this fell apart at a very late stage, with 5pm this evening the deadline.

The Guardian reports that this is due to 'uncertainty around the future ownership of the wider club.'

The club must now confirm to the FA which division it wishes to play in, if any at all, ahead of next season.

It remains to be seen what happens with the youth set-up, which effects hundreds of girls in the county.

Takeover talks remain ongoing for the football club as a whole, with former Wycombe Wanderers chief Rob Couhig leading the race.