It is still tapping up.It is only illegal if it is done blatantly.
Clubs cannot waste their time negotiating fees if there is a chance the player doesn’t want the move.
Club approach club
Club says ok
Club says to player club A is interested
Player says yes/no
If yes proceede onto negotiations
If no look elsewhere
In one day a club will know if a player is interested.
Then again it is easier to tap the player up early so he can be difficult and get his fee reduced