The 23-year-old centre half could fill the role that is soon to be voided by the former England man at Maine Road, with Higginbotham able to play in a number of positions in defence.
With The Citizens returning to The Premiership as Division One champions and The Rams facing the likelihood of going down, Higginbotham may consider a move to Moss Side in order to continue his career in England's top-flight.
Higginbotham has developed into a fine defender at Pride Park, after his £2 million move from Manchester United in July 2000.
Derby's Player of the Season could be a tough commodity to keep for Rams boss John Gregory, who has admitted that if the club are relegated, they may be forced to sell in order to cut costs.
Should Keegan fail to land Higginbotham, he may turn to Aston Villa's Alan Wright as a replacement for Pearce, as the veteran defender looks certain to be let go by Villa Park boss Graham Taylor, at the end of the season.
