Crossword Genius

Reportedly influenced material (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

suede

'material' is the definition.
(I know that suede is a type of material)

'reportedly influenced' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'influenced' becomes 'swayed' (swaying is a kind of influencing).
'swayed' is a homophone of 'SUEDE'.

(Other definitions for suede that I've seen before include "Soft leather with one side napped" , "material used in gloves" , "leather material" , "Undressed leather" , "Type of leather" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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