Shopping precinct reportedly a bit of a crush (4)

I believe the answer is:

maul

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'a bit of a crush' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'shopping precinct reportedly' is the wordplay.
'shopping precinct' becomes 'mall' (shopping mall).
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'mall' sounds like 'MAUL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for maul that I've seen before include "Loose 10 (in rugby)" , "Handle roughly; loose scrum" , "Ill-treat" , "Tear to pieces; molest" , "beetle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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