Struggle to influence net cost (7)

I believe the answer is:

contest

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

'struggle' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'influence net cost' is the wordplay.
'net cost' can be anagrammed to 'CONTEST'.
However, I'm not clear how this is indicated.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for contest that I've seen before include "Tournament" , "Competition or conflict" , "Match" , "Competition; dispute" , "Oppose - competition" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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