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A trooper dealing with wheeler-dealer (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

operator

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'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" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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