Crossword Genius

Barker's sales pitch about auction that's empty (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spaniel

'barker's' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'sales pitch about auction that's empty' is the wordplay.
'sales pitch' becomes 'spiel' (I've seen this in another clue).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'that's empty' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'auction' with its centre removed is 'an'.
'spiel' going around 'an' is 'SPANIEL'.

(Other definitions for spaniel that I've seen before include "Dog found among the alpines" , "Dog - leaps in (anag)" , "[HOUND]" , "Breed of dog" , "See 13" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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