Nah, I think it is intentional. With Everton and Aston Villa rising as their major contenders for the UEFA spot as well as potential top 4 teams, it is a good strategy to strengthen the squad by preventing other team from getting these promising stars, so that, say, Newcastle, would not threaten them in the next season.
Wouldn't surprise me if Arda Turan is also being watched by Spurs. A very disgusting strategy though, I wonder how Ashley feel now.