In general for the highly sought after players I guess most if not all deals involve some kind of action that is not strictly "by the book"; but I don't think you can this happens 100% of the time. Seeing as some players are deemed surplus to requirements by the club and therefore offers from other clubs are welcomed. Given these circumstances is it not impossible to tap that player up ... when you have expressly given permission for other clubs to talk to the player?
But where would you draw the line at highly sought after? QPR will have different aspirations of the players they realistically want to sign to Spurs, but they will still be sought after players none the less in and amongst their competitive set.
I agree about players that aren't needed at the club anymore, but then how is this relevant to the case discussed as we are talking about players that aren't technically for sale hence the supposed ability to "tap" them up.
Agents have turned the game into a pit of mercenaries fighting it out for a signature and a percentage, and the players have been drawn into it and unsurprisingly so as well.
Look at it this way: I actually have quite a decent job, very nice company car, nice perks and good prospects subject to the economy.
A recruitment consultant rings me and says there's a job up the road similar to what I am doing with a bit more repsonsibility, an extra £10k a year, more prestige, better bonus, better car I'd be seriously looking at it if not biting their hands off.
Have I been "tapped"
Technically yes I have...
The same applies in football, except we're talking about £10k to £30k a week increase and much better perks.
...hopefully Torres will have a similar season!