During his seven years at Wycombe, the 30-year-old made more than 200 appearances, solidifying his position as Ainsworth’s go-to man as they won two promotions from League Two to the Championship.
Gape is nearing a move to the Shrews, according to BBC Sport Shropshire, after signing a short-term contract with National League Eastleigh in November.
With the Shrews currently five points from survival in League One, they need experienced players to step up and ensure they don’t fall back into League Two for the first time in 10 years.
Gape could provide them with the necessary skills to avoid relegation.
He is an accomplished League One footballer, having made over 100 appearances at the level in his career.
Having joined Wycombe initially on loan from Southampton in 2016, before making the move permanent in January 2017, the defensive midfielder played 16 times in the Championship, 114 in League One and 74 in League Two before leaving Adams Park in 2023.
Last season, he featured twice in the third tier for Northampton Town after joining in February 2024 on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Gape is clearly a player who Ainsworth rates highly, having first signed him as a 21-year-old and developed him into a trusted and experienced player.
Gape would likely play in one of two central-midfield positions featured in Ainsworth’s defensive system.
Since arriving at New Meadow in November, the 51-year-old head coach has switched between a 4-3-1-2 and a 3-4-1-2 formation, with the latter favoured most recently.
Alex Gilliead has started eight out of Ainsworth’s 10 games in charge and will be the most likely midfielder to partner Gape, however, Shrewsbury do have depth in midfield with Taylor Perry, Carl Winchester, Jordan Shipley, Funso Ojo and Harrison Biggins, who was recently recalled from his loan spell at League Two Carlisle United.
Ainsworth will want his side to have more defensive solidity, having conceded the second-most amount of goals in League One this season.
Only Peterborough United (46) have conceded more goals than the Shrews’ 45 and since Ainsworth took over they have conceded 18 goals in 10 games.
Despite his League One experience, Gape may struggle to catch up to the fitness levels needed.
Since signing for fifth-tier Eastleigh, the midfielder has made 10 appearances and played 640 minutes.
With an average of only 64 minutes played each game, it suggests that the 30-year-old is not fit enough to regularly play a full 90 minutes, which he has only done once for the Spitfires.
Gape may also take some time to re-adjust to the third tier, which is something that Ainsworth cannot afford with his side currently sitting in 21st place.
It is yet to be confirmed that the midfielder will reunite with his old manager but it is a signing that could boost the survival hopes of Shrewsbury fans.
