The silence has been broken around Cameron Archer's transfer to Leeds as Southampton manager Ivan Juric reveals how the striker responded to the lack of a move.

Archer remains the one that got away for Leeds. The Championship leaders have been trying to sign the young striker for almost two years now.

They first tried in 2023, but were beaten by now-promotion rivals Sheffield United. Then, on his return back to Aston Villa, he was quickly swept up by Premier League side Southampton.

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It was reported throughout the January transfer window that Daniel Farke was interested in signing Archer, and the English striker was even open to join the Whites on loan. Saints manager Juric has now had his say on Archer's state of mind.

He told the Daily Echo: “Cam is top, he’s working hard. He was a big professional the last week whether he was fighting to stay or go.

“He’s always training hard. I want to change a little bit of his movements and I think he can improve a lot. This week he did really well with us.”

Archer wasn't all who Leeds were interested in from Southampton. Adam Armstrong was also a contender for a move to Elland Road with Farke being an outspoken fan of the forward. The German manager had labelled Armstrong as 'clinical' and 'the difference' between Leeds and Southampton when the two teams faced each other in the Championship playoff final last year.

The 27-year-old chose to go on loan to West Brom. Goal-scoring hasn't been a problem for Leeds in their recent games having netted 14 times in their last five games.

As Farke fights his way back into the Premier League, Archer will have to score some important goals to keep Southampton up. He has scored five times in 25 games so far this season.