Crossword Genius

Intriguing Derby recruit (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

designing

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

'intriguing' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'derby recruit' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'recruit' could be 'sign' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'sign' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for designing that I've seen is " Acting in a calculating and deceitful way".)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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