As the closure of the window draws closer, others will become more desperate too. As will we. If we really want him, we might be as well off to bite the bullet now or risk losing out later. We might still get him later - but might be forced higher by auction anyway to get him. They are obviously hoping other interest doesn't materialise and Southampton are forced to back down to make big money this summer.
Of course, if we had a plausible plan B, we wouldn't need to hang about or play poker.
I don't think we can judge this strategy until September, but one thing is sure: they will be judged on outcomes. And rightly so.