Its not only the players have agents, most if not all jobs are sounded out by an agent before any approaches are made to the employer. And just because 1 club or another club make no statement does not mean nothing has gone on behind the scene's. So if you ask a club, are you in talks with this individual they will answer NO, If you asked, have you or are you planning meetings with representatives of a said client answer maybe different.
The game is full of illegal approaches, friendly calls to feel and find out details before spending time on finding managers or players, if RUFC want TM for an interview they will know his salary and know if they are in a position to tempt him away. If all lines up and they are in a good position then they talk to the club and say can we talk to him this is what we offer you if any deal is made, the Chairman in this case stated that his shortlist is people he knows he has a very good chance of getting.
This happen's with players, i know for a fact multiple players have been at the club trained for more than a week and nothing was in the press or announced by club or agent, its doesn't work like people want in a perfect world. If and it still is a big if TM walks away from the club, i would tend to believe talks have been held with his agent and RUFC regarding the job to see if they is mutual interest. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened due to denial by clubs, individuals or no press coverage, buying clubs don't want to announce a target is free, selling clubs don't want to announce anything that will effect ST sales. Our owners are telling the truth no approach has been made, but they may know interest is there, as for facts some will say its my opinion, but its not this is how the dirty football world works.