Bits of gold found next to European's place (5)
I believe the answer is:
lodge
'bits of' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'gold found next to european's place' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
an anagram of 'gold' is 'lodg' which is within the answer.
'european' could be 'e' (abbreviation e.g. EU) and 'e' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lodge that I've seen before include "Beaver found here" , "Deposit as to bank account" , "abode" , "Provide accommodation for" , "House at the entrance to grounds of a mansion" .)