in this case yes, just pay the £17m.
but it's like the fee being £17m and we offer £23m.
just doesn't make sense

I think Tad if the fee is 17m and we offer 23m then yes it does seem bad business.
But if the fee is 17m and we offer 12 and it`s turned down.
Go back and more or less pay the asking price if the club think he will make a difference.
Seems Sunderland are waiting to see who we fancy and then outbid us.