Leeds striker Moore (left) is not happy with Nicholls' timing

Boss Dennis Wise revealed Nicholls' wish to return to Luton after the defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.

Moore said: "If the captain isn't pulling in the same direction as the rest you're in massive trouble.

"I've never known anything like it, as captain it's part of your job to rally the players together."

Nicholls, 27, arrived at Leeds in the summer for �700,000 but knee injures have limited the midfielder to 15 first-team appearances this season.

There are just so many things going wrong and it seems to be snowballing Leeds striker Ian Moore

Manager Wise could force Nicholls, who has more than three years of his contract left, to see out the rest of the season in Leeds' reserves.

Leeds are due to face fellow strugglers Luton on Saturday and Moore says the timing of Nicholls announcing he wants to leave could not be worse.

Moore added: "The timing could not be any worse as Luton are down there with us.

"I'm sure the fans won't be happy when they find out and I just can't understand his motives.

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"I thought he was settling in but obviously it's not right.

"There are just so many things going wrong and it seems to be snowballing.

"The club is going through some of the worst days it probably ever has done and things don't look good at the moment."