Crossword Genius

Putting in bid to handle English band (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tendering

'putting in bid' is the definition.

'handle english band' is the wordplay.
'handle' becomes 'tend' (I've seen this in another clue).
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'band' becomes 'ring' (synonyms).
'tend'+'e'+'ring'='TENDERING'

'to' is the link.

(Another definition for tendering that I've seen is " Offering".)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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