A trooper dealing with wheeler-dealer (8)
I believe the answer is:
operator
'wheeler-dealer' is the definition.
(shrewd or manipulative person)
'a trooper dealing' is the wordplay.
'a trooper' anagrams to 'OPERATOR'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.
'with' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for operator that I've seen before include "Controller, of telephone say" , "Person working a switchboard" , "Person who runs a machine or a business" , "Mathematical symbol" , "One using an item of equipment" .)