Barton was made available on a free transfer by Newcastle earlier this month after publically criticising the board via Twitter.
Stoke, along with the likes of Spurs, Everton and West Ham, have all since been linked with a move for Barton, who only has a year left on his St James' Park contract.
The 27-year-old started Newcastle's opening game of the season against Arsenal last weekend but found himself centre of attention again after an altercation with Gunners forward Gervinho.
The former Manchester City midfielder also played in Saturday's Wear-Tyne derby win at Sunderland but remains on the transfer list, and Higginbotham would welcome him at the Britannia Stadium.
"I don't know about the manager's plans but I do know that Joey Barton is a very good player," Higginbotham told The People.
"People say you should not take things into your own hands - but I know Joey is one of those players who is awful to play against because he is always in the thick of it.
"Joey is a good player and he is what he is. I think if you took that away from him, he wouldn't be the player he is.
"I don't know whether he is coming here but he is a good player - and every club wants good players."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk