Leeds United's slender hopes of re-signing Ivory Coast winger Max Gradel have hit a stumbling block, after it was was revealed that Rob Kelly is set to become the new assistant manager at Elland Road.

Gradel impressed during his time at Elland Road

Gradel made 85 appearances for Leeds before leaving for France in 2012, and the winger looks set to leave Ligue 1 club St Etienne this summer, sparking rumours that he could be set for a return to the Yorkshire club.

However, any potential move seems highly unlikely unless Uwe Rosler's side win promotion, with the Premier League a more likely destination for the former Bournemouth loanee.

But even if the club did make it back into England's top tier, a return may never materialise, with Leeds set to appoint former Leicester City manager Rob Kelly as Rosler's assistant.

Kelly managed the Foxes between 2006 and 2007, during which time Gradel was in the early stages of his career with the East Midlands club.

HITC revealed on Tuesday morning that Kelly and Gradel clashed at the King Power Stadium, with the former West Brom caretaker apparently refusing to pick the winger.

Ex-Nottingham Forest coach Kelly was eventually sacked by Leicester with the club 19th in the Championship, whilst Gradel went on to star for the club as they won promotion from League One in 2009.

However, the pair's fragmented relationship means that the Ivory Coast international is unlikely to want to play for Leeds whilst the 50-year-old is at the club.

Leeds fans... What do you make of Rob Kelly's appointment at the club? Will his experience help your club progress next season? Let us know what you think in the comments!