Team GB can only have Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs is understood to be the only over-aged player who Manchester United will allow to be selected for the Great Britain Olympic team after the club telephoned the Football Association.

United have ruled out Team GB coach Stuart Pearce picking Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Jonny Evans for the Olympic tournament at London 2012 as over-23 players.

According to a 2008 court ruling, clubs have the right to refuse to release players for the competition, as it is not on the international calendar, but United are only taking that position on their over-age players.

Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could be part of the Olympic squad if they are not picked for England's Euro 2012 plans.

It is reported United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who on Thursday said striker Javier Hernandez will not be part of the Mexico Olympic team at the Games, will not stand in the way of Giggs being part of the Olympic squad, as the 38-year-old has never played in a major international tournament.

Giggs has indicated he would accept an invitation - each squad are allowed three over-age players - so long as the Football Association of Wales does not oppose him doing so.

An FA spokesman has refused to confirm whether United have been in contact, but the prospect of a row, or even a legal battle, looks unlikely, especially given United's acceptance that young players not involved in Euro 2012, plus Giggs, can be selected.