Belgrade - Wolverhampton Wanderers' new midfielder, Serb Nenad Milijas, was sentenced to a year in prison for causing an accident while driving drunk, the Belgrade daily Blic said Thursday.

Milijas, 26, had his sentence suspended for three years, meaning that he would serve time if he commits a new crime during that time.

The former Red Star Belgrade captain walked away from the December 2005 accident unscathed, but a friend travelling with him was seriously injured. Milijas refused to comment on the verdict, Blic said.

Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton signed Milijas on June 15 for four years for an undisclosed sum. He has however not yet been granted a British work permit - it is unclear whether his legal issues have played a role in the delay. (dpa)