The controversial move would effectively force players to choose between representing their club or their country.
The Guardian newspaper reports that a leaked memo from Premier Rugby, which represents the leading clubs, confirmed the RFU has tabled a document that sets out how it would seize control of clubs.
It proposes the union spends some £15million to take a controlling 51 per cent stake in several Premiership clubs.
Many clubs, such as Leicester Tigers, are strongly opposed to central contracts for players but the RFU is hoping to target less asset-rich clubs and use them as virtual feeder clubs to the national side.
It has also been confirmed that Premier Rugby has delivered a writ to the RFU demanding repayment of the £135,000 due as compensation to clubs who supplied players to last summer's Lions tour.
If agreements cannot be reached on player-release dates - the current dates are only in place until November 30 - the clubs believe the union will mount an increasingly serious challenge to secure control of clubs.
