Two-time All-Australian Houston is eager to find his way to a Melbourne-based club, with no shortage of suitors.
The Magpies, Carlton, Melbourne and North Melbourne have all been linked to the 27-year-old.
But Houston has one year left on his contract and Port are eager to find a replacement before letting their star man go.
Richards, who has played just nine games for Collingwood, made his request to join the Power official on Monday as the trade period opened.
Joe Richards has requested a move to Port Adelaide. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)
The 24-year-old has been offered a three-year deal by Port and will be used in negotiations over Houston.
Gold Coast's pick 13 is also up for grabs and is seen as one option that could unlock a Houston deal.
Collingwood could potentially get their hands on pick 13 through a deal for defender John Noble, who has requested a trade to the Suns.
Richmond defender Daniel Rioli also wants to reunite with his former coach Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast.
Suns list boss Craig Cameron hinted the likes of Collingwood and Richmond could be in the box seat for pick 13.
"Our plan with pick 13 is to deal with clubs that we need some players from," Cameron said.
Upon arrival at Marvel Stadium on Monday, Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said his club is "very" interested in Houston.
"We'd love to see him in our colours next year but there's obviously a lot to play out over the next 10 days or so," Leppitsch said.
Carlton list manager Nick Austin is also eager to sit down with Port Adelaide to discuss Houston.
"He hasn't nominated a club yet - so that's probably where it sits," Austin said.
"I'm assuming we're in the mix, but he wants to get back to Melbourne - that's clear.
"(He would give us) a bit of run, a bit of ball use.
"We've probably been guilty a few times, particularly late in the year when things aren't going our way, of going too straight."
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