Nicholls said: "The aim this season has to be to win the league, I think we can do that, and if not then gain promotion by hook or by crook. I've captained Luton to two promotions so maybe I'm a lucky omen.
"I have played in every division except the Premiership. Now I want that on my CV."
Nicholls was born in Newham, East London and grew up with former United player Lee Bowyer.
"We did the Sunday league stuff together," added Nicholls, "and when I was a YTS at Charlton, Lee was in the first year of his apprenticeship there. I believe Lee played the best football of his career at Leeds and I'm certainly out to emulate him in that regard."
But Nicholls concluded: "Lee Bowyer has had a fantastic career but I want to make my own name at Leeds. People have always tried to liken me to Lee because we were brought up at Charlton, we are both from London and have shaven heads.
"We were good friends, we are both competitive and hate losing, even on the training pitch, but that's it."