A potential deal to buy Intel could accelerate San Diego wireless giant Qualcomm's diversification but will burden the smartphone chipmaker with a loss-making semiconductor manufacturing unit that it may struggle to turn around or sell,

Qualcomm recently approached Intel to explore a potential acquisition of the troubled chipmaker, a source familiar with the situation said, in what could be a transformational deal in the sector but faces many hurdles.

Doubts about the Qualcomm-Intel deal stem from uncertainty over how Intel's manufacturing fits into Qualcomm's design focus.

Qualcomm has approached the once-dominant chipmaker Intel for a potential buyout, turning the spotlight on the portfolio of products these chip companies have to offer.

In major tech news, unnamed sources told The Wall Street Journal that Qualcomm may be gearing up to acquire Intel — and consumers and analysts have a lot to say about it.