Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is believed to have donated a five-figure sum to Manchester Dogs' Home following last week's fire.
The 24-year-old, who joined Liverpool from AC Milan in the summer, is thought to be behind the anonymous donation, which was made via the Manchester Evening News's JustGiving page for the charity.
The Home has received a number of handouts after 60 dogs were killed in a fire, which is being treated by police as a suspected arson attack.
According to the newspaper, charity bosses are investigating whether Balotelli, who offered to walk abandoned dogs from the Home during his time at Manchester City, is behind the donation.
