Sporting briefs

Woodgate: Injury-plagued former England defender Jonathan Woodgate has joined Stoke on a one-year, free transfer deal. Woodgate, 31, will arrive at the Midlands side from English top-flight rivals Tottenham following the end of his contract with the London club.

Banned: Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino will be banned from the dugout for tomorrow’s meeting with Copa America surprise package Venezuela after arguing with the referee in his side’s draw with Brazil. Martino was furious after the Brazilians levelled right at the death on Saturday.

Friendly series: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are to play a three-match football series in England starting on August 25 in fixtures designed to tap into support among migrant supporters. The games will be played in Manchester, Coventry and London.

Fulham: Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi has signed a one-year-deal with Fulham. Somogyi, 26, has become new manager Martin Jol’s first signing since he took over at Craven Cottage.

McLeish: Birmingham have reached an agreement with Aston Villa that will see Villa pay an undisclosed figure following Alex McLeish’s appointment at Villa Park. McLeish left Blues following their relegation and was appointed as manager of Villa five days later.