Think it was towards the end of 2012 as he became techinal director at stoke and the has an argus article saying he had no agent at start of jan 2013. It wouldn't be that surprising if he asked poyet for advice and he put him towards his agent but I'm just speculating
I was joking :)
He wouldn't be the first manager to raid his previous club for players, see moyes as a recent example. Maybe he did say he would take them with him (bet hes not the first or last to do it) or maybe he said something ambiguous like "when I'm in the premier league I want you to be...