For starters, your arguement is based on the premise that I suggested they were always trying to push this point, I never claimed that. So no, I don't believe they've been pushing this agenda for all this time, as they genuinely had intention of buying him. When these leaks about wages etc. began is when reports began to die out. They wouldn't benefit from briefing that they were no longer pursuing Sancho. 1. The fans very much want him, it would cause negative PR, it's much easier to stall the process and make it seem like we did everything we could but the player/his agent's greed was insurmountable. 2. The revenue and intrigue being generated is to the benefit of the business, nipping this in the bud earlier would not be beneficial in that regard.
I do very much believe we are still talking to him btw, what I don't agree with is the fact that United have intention to pay what is required. I'm hopeful we sign him as he's my dream signing, but if it hasn't been sorted by the time the PL starts, I don't think it'll happen