I don't keep up with EFL rules and regulations, but I'm still non-plussed by this part of his statement ''Their interest was on-going after the summer window, communication didn't stop''

In other leagues I follow, that alone would be enough to spark an investigation into 'tampering' with another club's contracted employee. It would lead to serious financial and competitive sanctions. I guess the wild west is actually here instead and you can tap up any player you like who's on another club, even in the same league.