Bond takes it back east (3)
I believe the answer is:
tie
'bond' is the definition.
(both can mean a connection)
'it back east' is the wordplay.
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'east' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'it' reversed gives 'ti'.
'ti'+'e'='TIE'
'takes' is the link.
(Other definitions for tie that I've seen before include "Affiliation" , "Almost level" , "Bond; neckwear" , "Attach, fasten" , "Form into a knot or bow" .)