There is no incentive for Chelsea to make an early decision on this but we need to draw a line in the sand with regard to timing and cost, and stick to it.
The last thing we want is this strung out until deadline day and then scrambling and failing to sign an alternative CB with hours left to do it. We could end up with nothing and be badly exposed.
Zouma's own preferences are pivotal in this but I expect his default position would be to say nothing and stay at Chelsea unless he is definitively told he can go / is surplus to requirements.
I imagine if he was strongly in favour of signing with us his agent and Chelsea would be briefing accordingly. That's what happened with Gomes. If the player wants the move and fee is not an obstacle, things get done quickly.
For sure, the managerial situation there has thrown a spanner in the works but either way there is no need for this to be a drawn-out affair once Lampard is formally appointed.
Brands needs to ensure we come out of this ok.