If top clubs in the premier league are actually in for him, I don't see us being able to get him regardless. It doesn't matter that he has a previous relationship with our manager, when the options are a team that hasn't competed for the league in ages, and is struggling down in 14th place, compare to a team consistently in the top four and potentially competing for the title.
Poor management has taken the shine off the club to any potential players, we are no longer able to buy at the top end of the market without stupidly overpaying.