Lord Coe has called for Sir Alex Ferguson to manage the Great Britain football team at the 2012 Olympics.

Coe, the chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, confirmed holding informal discussions with the Manchester United boss but did not divulge whether the Scot was interested in the post.

"I would love to see Alex coach the team," Coe said on Sky Sports News.

"I can't think of anybody that frankly (more) deserves at the end of a stunning career to be in charge of young players here.

He added: "I've spoken to Alex.

"We know each other. We're good friends."

Chelsea fan Coe's bid to land Ferguson first came to light two months ago, at which time United expressed a relaxed attitude about the approach.

Ferguson was thought to be intrigued by the offer but reluctant to accept were it to interfere with his duties at Old Trafford.