LEEDS United will be relegated in May, according to the bookies.

For the first time this season, Leeds are quoted odds-on for the drop by all the leading bookmakers, who are unlikely to change their opinion in the short term unless manager Dennis Wise makes some shrewd signings before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.

Not even the arrival of Tore Andre Flo and Alan Thompson, who both scored in last week's 3-2 defeat against West Brom, could persuade the bookies that Leeds will survive in the Championship.

And with next Tuesday's opponents Hull City enjoying a revival in fortunes, the picture could hardly be gloomier for the Elland Road club.

With 18 matches left, United are only prevented from propping up the table because back-markers Southend have scored fewer goals. There is a six-point gap between Wise's men and a place outside the bottom three and only Luton and Barnsley have conceded more goals in the Championship this season.

One piece of good news is that vice-captain Shaun Derry has recovered from injury and increases the already stiff competition for midfield places, but it is the defence that is causing Wise most concern, with 12 goals leaked in the last four matches in league and cup.

"We have been doing much better going forward but we just can't shut up shop at the moment," said Wise, who put in some hard work with his defenders during this week's training camp in Greece.

Wise is also considering appealing against an FA charge of improper conduct.

The Leeds manager was ordered from his technical area by referee Neil Swarbrick in the last minute of the West Brom game.

Wise was angered by the amount of time Albion striker Diomansy Kamara took to leave the field on being substituted and gave him a shove.

Wise, who has until February 9 to reply to the charge, said: "I felt it was harsh and I am considering an appeal."