Feb 15 (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.