Keane managed both players during his time in The Stadium of Light hotseat, and the former Manchester United defender has historically had a track record of bringing in players who he has either played alongside or from his former clubs in the past.
Former Manchester United defender Paul McShane, who Town have been previously linked with in the past, is still at Sunderland but spend part of last season on loan to Hull City before being recalled for the tail end of the season and is out of contract in the Summer.
Higginbotham, now enjoying a second spell at Stoke City, was signed by Roy Keane for £2.5m whilst manager at Sunderland from Stoke, having also started his career at Old Trafford. However it is understood that 30 year old Higginbotham's family would not be keen on a move to East Anglia.
Click here for a player profile on Paul McShane
Click here for a player profile on Danny Higginbotham