Port Adelaide star is reportedly telling rivals that he is willing to see out his contract at Alberton, which runs until the end of 2026.

Hailing from Victoria, a host of clubs thought they were in with a sniff to lure Butters home, with the Western Bulldogs and Geelong seemingly the favourites to make a deal happen.

Ironically, the 24-year-old saw the Bulldogs' full force on Saturday at MARS Stadium, with the visitors going down by 90 points.

Butters was significant early, but received extra attention from Tom Liberatore, who curbed his influence after quarter time, leading to an 18 to three goal run.

However, Herald Sun's Jay Clark believes that the on-baller is to remain in South Australia for the next 18 months before assessing his future as a free agent.

"(Butters') management, Peter Lenton at Kapital Sports, met with the Cats this week. I believe the Bulldogs are the frontrunners for Butters' signature," Clark said on Fox Footy.

"But he is telling clubs he will not be moving from Port Adelaide this year. He will consider his future as a free agent at the end of next year.

"But the vice-captain and arguably their best player is saying he's in and he will be at the club next year. Then he will attract $2 million a year offers from rival clubs as a free agent.

"Victorian clubs were thinking at the start of this year, maybe they could tease him out and dangle a big enough carrot to get him out via trade this year.

"He is telling clubs he is locked into Port Adelaide next year, no matter what sort of size of the trade or offers that come."

Clark also revealed that the Bulldogs have been locked into this move for some time, with Butters believed to be Liberatore's successor amid an emerging midfield group.

"Proximity with the family is a bit of a factor, he's from the Western Jets and his family, I believe, are out that way," Clark added.

"I think they could see him potentially as the next Tom Liberatore. He's the perfect replacement in a couple of season's time.

"But this race is not one and done just yet ... Essendon, I think, would be involved as well, potentially St Kilda, who has a lot of cash.

"But I think it's the clubs on the western side of the city โ€” Geelong and Western Bulldogs โ€” who are the frontrunners right now.

"It is big cash, but the salary cap is going up."

Since returning from injury, Butters has proven his worth, which will ultimately drive up his price.

Entering his prime, the Victorian has secured two All-Australian blazers, two best and fairests, an AFLCA Player of the Year award and reigns as one of the leaders at Port Adelaide.