Unai Emery: I have tried to sign Antoine Griezmann before

When PSG lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the summer on a free transfer there was plenty of speculation about who was going to replace him, with Griezmann's name one that was constantly linked with a move to the French capital.

The move didn't come off as Griezmann chose to commit his future to Atletico Madrid by signing a new five-year contract, as it became clear that manager Diego Simeone wasn't going to be leaving the club after their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Emery said that he was aware of the reports linking his team to Griezmann but he never actually spoke with the forward although he did reveal that five years ago when he was manager of Valencia he tried to sign Griezmann from Real Sociedad.

"When I arrived at PSG, I saw many names circulating – and names of major players. But the most important is the players who are here,

"I know Griezmann but I never talked to him. He is a very good player. Five years ago, when I was the coach of Valencia and he was at Real Sociedad, I told my president to sign him.

"But it didn't happen. Now, he said he is very happy at Atletico Madrid."

Emery also spoke about Edinson Cavani, who has moved central in order to replace Ibrahimovic, saying that he has total faith in the Uruguayan despite his tough start to the season as the club's main striker.

He also placed his confidence in summer signing Jese Rodriguez and talented youngster Jean-Kevin Augustin.

"I have no doubt about Cavani. I go to the supermarket every day, I buy a lot of confidence and I give it to the players,

"Cavani started rushing a bit. I told him to be calmer. He is 29 years old – this is a good year for a player.

"I asked him to create chances, which he has done, and later he will score. There are days when he will be worse, but he will eventually be decisive. He likes the responsibility.

"It's important to give confidence to Cavani, and it's hard to sign a very important player who is going to compete with him.

"Jese has played as a striker, he is versatile, as is Augustin, a young player who is ready to play and will progress."