Rangers star Jermain Defoe is at the centre of speculation over an anonymous donation to Wigan's "Save Our Club" appeal.
A Latics fan contacted the veteran striker on social media, composing a cheeky Tweet insisting he should donate £5000 for the five goals he scored against the crisis-stricken club in 2009.
Defoe ran riot in a 9-1 victory while playing for Tottenham Hotspur eleven years ago.
The Tweet, from user @Elbalson , said: "Ere @IAmJermainDefoe. Can I be cheeky and ask you to throw £5000 in here, one for each of those five goals you scored against Latics in the 9-1 defeat at Tottenham? I think it's the least you could do mate."
And, sure enough, an anonymous £5000 pledge was deposited in the fund shortly after.
It sparked immediate speculation that it was indeed Defoe who had dug deep to help the appeal, set up by fans in the hope of becoming part owners or providing the club with support if a buyer is not found.
Wigan slipped into administration in July and their future remains uncertain.
There's been no official confirmation Defoe was behind the gesture but fans on social media are convinced it was the 37-year-old.
@LewisKerfoot11 wrote: "And this is why he always will be one of my idols what a bloke"
@jimmymacc27 said: "This is absolute class from @IAmJermainDefoe
@Beardster12 said: "Absolutely amazing if this is legit, some lad Defoe"
@Sir_Tiger_Tibbs wrote: "Jermain Defoe just donated £5k, he donated it anonymously but we know it was him honestly what a man he is."
In 2018, Defoe was awarded an OBE for his work with the Jermain Defoe Foundation, a charity he established five years earlier.
He's currently out injured for Rangers after an issue sustained in pre-season.
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