Crossword Genius

Is it just like him to have nine? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leo

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

'like him to have nine?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'is it' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'lo' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'just' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leo that I've seen before include "Name taken by 13 popes, the last dying in 1903 aged 93" , "certain stars" , "born in July or August" , "Lion constellation" , "5th sign of the zodiac" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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