(Reuters) -Intel's ( INTC ) rivals Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co ( TSM ) and Broadcom ( AVGO ) are each eyeing potential deals that would break the U.S. chipmaking icon in two, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Broadcom ( AVGO ) has been closely examining Intel's ( INTC ) chip-design and marketing business, the Journal reported, adding that the company had discussed a potential bid with its advisers but would likely only proceed if it found a partner for Intel's ( INTC ) manufacturing business.

Separately, TSMC has studied controlling some or all of Intel's ( INTC ) chip plants, potentially as part of an investor consortium or other structure, the report said.

Broadcom ( AVGO ) and TSMC are not working together, and all of the talks so far are preliminary and largely informal, the Journal added.

Intel ( INTC ), Broadcom ( AVGO ) and TSMC did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.