Broughton, 26, is contracted for next season with Fremantle, but AFL.com.au understands Port is considering making a play for him to bolster its defence, which has lost Troy Chaplin (via free agency to Richmond) and Jacob Surjan (delisted) since the end of the 2012 season.
The Power are also likely to lose defender/midfielder Ben Jacobs, who is seeking a trade to a Victorian club, with North Melbourne believed to be his preferred option.
Broughton's 2012 stats
St Kilda is also believed to have shown some interest in Broughton.
However, the Saints have made it clear their priorities for the remainder of trade period are securing West Coast key defender Mitch Brown and Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey, and arranging a suitable trade for 20-year-old midfielder Jamie Cripps who wants to return home to Western Australia.
Gillette AFL Trade Period hub
Before Freo took him with pick No.73 in the 2009 Rookie Draft, Broughton played under Saints coach Scott Watters at Subiaco in its 2007-08 WAFL premiership teams, winning the club's 2008 best and fairest award.
Broughton was overseas on a post-season holiday until last Sunday, which AFL.com.au understands has delayed trade negotiations.
After Ross Lyon took over as Fremantle coach ahead of the 2012 season, Broughton played the first 15 games this year before he injured his right ring finger and required season-ending surgery.
Broughton's career stats
He finished third in Freo's 2011 best and fairest, with former coach Mark Harvey playing him in defence with occasional stints in the midfield.
Broughton's form suffered midway through this season when he was moved into an unfamiliar role on Freo's forward line.
Fremantle and Port would not comment when contacted by AFL.com.au.
Since debuting for Freo in round three, 2009, Broughton has played 68 games.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
